Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SD)

Panaji, Oct 13: To strengthen law and order in the state, the state government in a major decision has decided to create two new police districts - Mapusa and Ponda.

Police stations around Mapusa and Bicholim talukas will be covered by Mapusa district while Ponda district would cover police stations in Ponda.

Chief minister Pramod Sawant said, "There will now be a total of four police districts with four district SPs. This decision will enable better and effective control over law and order, and prevention of crime."

Director general of police Mukesh Kumar Meena, reacting to the government's decision said that the last police district was created in 1987. Meena said that however, the situation is different now.

The chief minister's office (CMO) said that the North and South Goa districts are geographically vast which makes it difficult for one superintendent of police to manage the entire district. And as the state attracts a large number of tourists both domestic and foreign, it has resulted in vast tourist-related crimes.

"Creation of new districts at Mapusa and Ponda will enable better and effective control over law and order in the prevention of crime. It will also facilitate the people from remote places to visit the district superintendent of police within a short time. Likewise, district SP will also be able to attend meetings with people in remote areas," the CMO further said.