“UNAVOIDABLE CIRCUMSTANCES” CAUSES POSTPONMENT OF NEW TALUKA INAUGRAL

PONDA: The South Goa district magistrate, Mr Gokuldas P Naik on Sunday informed that the inaugural function of the new Dharbandora taluka, which was scheduled on April 4, has been postponed to a further date by the government due to "unavoidable circumstances."

It may be recalled that Dharbandora is the 12th taluka of the state. The decision however disappointed the people of Dharbandora and its surrounding areas who had geared up for the day since last many months with high hopes and desires.

Mr Naik said it was purely the decision of the government to postpone the inauguration. He however could not indicate the reasons for the last-minute postponement of the inauguration. Sources said that the government held back the function due to growing opposition amongst the Usgao-Ganjem villagers, who were included in the new Dharbandora taluka along with other five panchayats — Molem, Colem, Sancorda, Dabal and Dharbandora.

The locals contended that if their areas are included in the Dharbandora taluka, the headquarters should be compulsorily made at Usgao and not in Dharbandora, as decided by the government.

The postponement announcement however increased the hopes of the agitators and the vociferous Usgao-Ganjem panchayat members who were all out to object it since last one week. They even threatened to hold agitations if their demands were not met.

Sources said these panchas along with ZP member of Curti-Khandepar, on Saturday night met their MLA, and Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik and apprised him about their difficulties. They then met the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, who is learnt to have assured to solve their problems "and probably postponed the function.’’

The sarpanch of Usgao-Ganjem village panchayat, Mr Ratnakar Fatrekar claimed that inclusion of the areas of Usgao and Ganjem into the Dharbandora taluka would create grievous problems to the locals, they would be trapped in the mining traffic jam while visiting Dharbandora for administrative purpose, he added.

Sources said that the office of the Mamlatdar, BDO, electricity, Education, Town and Country planning, PWD Road and Water departments will be housed in the building situated at the sport complex at Dharbandora to felicitate people of these remote areas.

The ZP member of Dharbandora, Ms Rashmi Lambor, welcomed the decision of the government of having the Dharbandora taluka and bringing administration at their doorsteps. She also praised the local leaders for their efforts.

However ZO of Curti-Khandepar, Ms Dipika Prabhu opined that if Dharbandora is made headquarters of the taluka, the people of Usgao will be at a great loss. She said amongst the six panchayats of the taluka, Usgao is the biggest and has better infrastructure compared to Dharbandora.