PONDA: Locals from Ponda heaved a sigh of relief after the Kavlem panchayat cut down some age-old trees by the roadside which posed danger to the local residents.
The issue was earlier highlighted in O Heraldo on June 26 and July 26, as well as on previous occasions.
Locals, including Kavlem Deputy Sarpanch Sushant Kapileshwarkar, expressed their gratitude to O Heraldo for raising awareness about this issue. The villagers aslo commended the Kavlem Panchayat for promptly addressing the risk posed by the old trees along the Donkhamb to Kapileshwarim road, which endangered lives and property.
During the tree-cutting operation, laborers removed electric lines and implemented traffic diversions to ensure safety.
Sarpanch Manuja Naik, Deputy Sarpanch Sushant Kapileshwarkar had previously raised concerns during the gramsabha on 21 July regarding the hazardous trees leaning over the road in Kavlem, which caused anxiety among the locals.
Residents from four Panchayats, namely Kavlem, Bandora, Wadi Talaulim, Durbhat Adpoi Agapur, Marcaim, as well as tourists visiting Kavlem, utilize the road where the trees were located.
The trees not only posed a threat to school students, pedestrians, and motorists but also endangered a house situated along the roadside.
The Forest Department granted permission for the initial tree removal, with plans to address the remaining trees following proper legal procedures.