In a significant administrative development, a new signboard has been officially installed at the taluka revenue office in Quepem, marking a notable transition. The updated signage now prominently references Kushavati district, effectively replacing the previous designation of South Goa district for the office of the mamlatdar and head of the taluka revenue office.
Interim Measure Amid Ongoing Search
Despite this visible change, senior administrative officials have clarified that the installation of the signboard represents merely an interim administrative measure. The comprehensive search for a permanent location to house the new district headquarters remains very much in progress and has not yet reached a conclusive stage.
A senior administrative official stated, "The location for the new building has not been finalised yet." This statement underscores the provisional nature of the current signage update, highlighting that broader logistical planning is still underway.
Multiple Locations Under Consideration
Sources within the administration have revealed that while several potential locations have been identified for consideration as the permanent district headquarters, none have been formally shortlisted at this juncture. The list of prospective sites intriguingly includes premises in both Quepem and Curchorem.
These two towns are currently engaged in a spirited contest, each vying to serve as the definitive administrative hub for the newly formed Kushavati district. It has been noted that some of the identified locations could potentially be activated as district headquarters at relatively short notice if an urgent need arises.
Stringent Criteria for Final Selection
Officials are not rushing the decision, as they are meticulously evaluating options based on a set of fundamental criteria. A senior official elaborated on the essential requirements, explaining that the ideal location must fulfill several basic needs to serve the district effectively.
The official detailed, "However, we are looking for a location which would fulfill some basic criteria — like convenience of access for people from across the district, ample parking space, sufficient land to house all subordinate offices, etc."
A Long-Term Vision for District Administration
The government is adopting a forward-looking, long-term perspective in selecting the headquarters location. The objective is to choose a site that will stand the test of time and serve as a cornerstone for district administration for decades to come.
The official further emphasized, "An ideal location would be that which would serve as a landmark location for the next 50-60 years, where all necessary offices and facilities would be easy to access, and accommodate future administrative growth."
This strategic approach ensures that the eventual headquarters will not only meet current administrative demands but also possess the scalability and infrastructure to support future expansion and evolving needs of the Kushavati district.
