Team Herald
PANJIM: Rampant tree felling adjacent to the Karmali railway station has annoyed Carambolim residents even as the Konkan Railway claimed that these trees were dangerous for its overhead equipment.
The board members of Samarth Enclave Co-Operative Housing Society in an email to the Deputy Conservator of Forest, has stated that trees were felled for three days from Friday to Sunday during day and night time by Konkan Railways at
Carambolim.
“Over the past few days, several trees have been cut, purportedly to lay a new railway track. This activity has taken place during the rainy season, a critical time for the environment, and without any apparent regard for proper legal permissions or the environmental impact,” it stated.
The tree felling has resulted in environmental destruction as they were an integral part of local ecosystem, providing shelter for wildlife, maintaining soil integrity, and contributing to the overall green cover of our area. The loss of these trees is particularly detrimental during the rainy season when the risk of soil erosion and landslides is heightened, the Society board members stated.
The felling of trees, there is now a direct line of sight to the railway tracks from their residential area, which has led to a significant increase in noise levels. This noise pollution is disrupting the peace and quiet of the community and is likely to have long-term negative effects on the health and well-being of residents, they said.
The board members stated that there was no prior notification or consultation with the community regarding the tree cutting, nor had been any visible indication that the necessary environmental clearances or permissions were obtained. The hasty removal of these trees during such a sensitive season raised serious concerns about the legality and ethicality of this operation.
They have urged the forest department to conduct an immediate investigation into the matter to determine whether Konkan Railways had adhered to the necessary legal requirements and environmental protocols. If any violations were found, then swift and appropriate action be taken to hold the responsible parties accountable and to prevent further damage to the environment.
When contacted, Konkan Railway deputy general manager (public relations) Baban Ghatge said, “The trees were dangerous for overhead equipment. Our entire section is electrified. Even if it is slightly leaning, it is dangerous. There was some problem in some other sections because of the trees. They were prone to falling off during heavy rains. KRCL electrical and engineering department has carried out joint inspection and which trees were dangerous for operations have been cut. This has been done right from Roha to Thokur section.”
When asked whether the KRCL had obtained permission from the department to cut tress, Ghatge said, “Permission from the forest department is not required as the trees are in our land. We have to take action if trees are dangerous to rail traffic. These trees were dangerous for movement of rail traffic. There was a possibility of them falling on railway platforms.”