MONDAY, JULY 08, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Outraged over the reckless trimming and cutting of trees despite protests and demands for the contractor’s arrest, social activists, residents, and environmentalists in Salcete, alleged a scam as nearly Rs 67 lakh was paid for tree cutting and trimming and charged that the actions of the concerned contractor amounted to a crime.
A delegation led by Savio Coutinho and Zarinha D’Cunha submitted a memorandum to the South Goa District Collector Ashvin Chandru highlighting unethical practices in tree cutting.
Criticising the authorities for neglecting environmental protection, Zarinha said, “Activities of trimming and cutting of trees continue despite our voices and complaints. Cutting trees in a hazardous manner must be stopped immediately.”
“It is not appropriate to cut down a hundred trees due to a single incident of a tree falling on any person. There is no proper process followed during the trimming of trees. Trimming and cutting of trees should be conducted in a proper manner to avoid damaging the environment,” said D’Cunha.
Savio Coutinho expressed disappointment over the Mamlatdar’s inaction as the District Collector’s order issued under Disaster Management guidelines was violated, with healthy trees being felled indiscriminately.
“We are disappointed that even after nine days; the Mamlatdar has not taken any action on the matter. We had even offered our assistance in the investigations,” he added.
“We were eagerly awaiting intervention from the District Collector, directing the Mamlatdar of Salcete, to inspect the site and submit a report immediately for prompt action,” said Coutinho.
“We have evidence that trees were cut down which were not listed as dangerous trees. At a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to plant saplings and promote tree conservation, it’s disheartening to see trees being felled without proper scientific assessment,” said Coutinho.
He said it is shocking that the Forest Department is completely unaware of the tree cutting activities. Furthermore, Coutinho expressed dismay that despite having the authority to intervene, the Forest Department has failed to initiate action.
District Collector Ashvin Chandru announced plans to implement new mechanisms and guidelines for tree trimming and cutting.
“We will establish new mechanisms, including guidelines as to which trees should be cut or trimmed,” he stated.
