Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: In a strong show of unity, concerned citizens of Canacona Taluka gathered at the Shristhal Gram Panchayat Hall on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) and unanimously resolved to oppose the inclusion of their taluka in the proposed third district unless the government convincingly explains the benefits of such a move.
The meeting, attended by several prominent locals, expressed anger over the lack of consultation and participation in the decision-making process. It was alleged that the Committee formed to study the feasibility of the third district, composed solely of bureaucrats, lacked local representation and understanding of Canacona’s ground realities.
Convener Prashant Naik criticized the committee, stating, “None of the officers are Goan. We sincerely doubt if they even know where Canacona is. Officers sitting in A/C cabins cannot understand our pain and inconvenience.”
Speakers argued that Canacona has strong administrative, road, and cultural ties with Margao, and disconnecting it to link with a new district headquartered in Curchorem or Quepem would cause immense disruption. “Over 50 buses connect our villages to Margao daily, while only 2-3 serve Quepem or Curchorem. Margao is our lifeline,” said Datta Gaonkar.
“If the government is keen on forming a third district, let them include Ponda instead, which alone has enough population. But keep Canacona out of it,” said Samrat Bhagat.
The meeting concluded with the formation of a committee under the banner Jagrut Canaconakar to lead the opposition. Prashant Naik was named convener, with Shantaji Naik Gaonkar as co-convener and other members including Vikas Bhagat, Janardhan Bhandari, Satish Painginkar, Pravir Bhandari, Samrat Bhagat, Sunil Paingankar, Ramu Naik, Dasharath Gaonkar, Datta Gaonkar, and Ursila Costa.
The group has demanded that the Revenue Department visit Canacona and engage with locals. If not, they warned of strong opposition to the inclusion.
