Goa, Jan. 1 -- Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's announcement of Goa's proposed third district, named Kushavati, came as a surprise to many. The decision to name the district after the Kushavati River, which flows through the four included talukas (Sanguem, Canacona, Quepem, and Dharbandora), has evoked mixed reactions. While some welcome the move, others oppose the naming, and some have even questioned the necessity of creating a third district at all. Speaking to reporters, Sawant said the name reflects the region's ancient geographical heritage and cultural identity, noting that the Kushavati River has shaped the lives, livelihoods and ecology of these areas over centuries.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Quepem will be the headquarte...