The Goa government's notification officially creating the new Kushavati district has set the stage for a spirited political and civic contest. The central question now is which town will serve as the district's administrative headquarters, with Quepem and Curchorem emerging as the primary contenders.
Quepem's Claim: Administrative Significance and Tribal Focus
Former deputy chief minister and Quepem MLA, Chandrakant Kavlekar, has expressed strong support for his constituency. He thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for what he described as approving Quepem as the district headquarters. Kavlekar emphasised Quepem's existing administrative role in South Goa, highlighting that the offices of the deputy collector and deputy superintendent of police for the taluka already operate from there.
He argued that Quepem is the natural choice for the headquarters of the newly formed district, which comprises the talukas of Canacona, Quepem, Sanguem, and Dharbandora. Kavlekar expressed hope that the district's large geographical area, with its significant tribal population, would see improved governance, infrastructure, and development as a result.
Curchorem's Counter: Connectivity and Compensation for Sacrifice
However, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral has staked an equally strong claim. He publicly stated his ardent desire for Curchorem to be made the headquarters. Cabral pointed to specific locations in his constituency, including a nearly completed market complex building, whose upper floors could house district offices while rehabilitating existing traders on the lower levels.
His position has received substantial backing from local traders and professionals. A delegation recently met Cabral, urging him to persuade the chief minister to designate Curchorem as the headquarters. Chartered accountant Pradip Kakodkar cited Curchorem's superior connectivity by road, rail, and waterways, along with existing hospitals, a fire station, and a significant land bank as reasons it is the apt choice.
Amar Naik of the Curchorem Citizens' Forum and Kakodkar both presented a compelling argument for compensation. They listed the burdens borne by Curchorem: fatal accidents due to mining transportation, health issues from coal pollution, and hosting the Cacora garbage treatment plant for all of South Goa after it was opposed elsewhere. "Curchorem needs to be rewarded for this sacrifice," Kakodkar asserted.
Wider Support and the Canacona Perspective
Adding another dimension, while some Canacona residents initially objected to their inclusion in the new district, their MLA, Ramesh Tawadkar, who is also the tribal welfare minister, supported the move. He backed Quepem for the headquarters, arguing that the constituent talukas have lagged in infrastructure, healthcare, and education since Liberation, and that the new district is crucial to bridge the development gap in South Goa.
The debate highlights the high stakes involved in the designation of a district headquarters, a decision that promises to shape the future development and administrative efficiency of Goa's newest and third district.
