Team Herald
MARGAO: Living Tree Heritage, a local conservation group, has raised alarm over the Goa Tree Authority's recent decision to approve the destruction of 4,263 trees and 167 mangroves for various development projects. The NGO has highlighted the stark contrast between this decision and the ongoing environmental crises in other parts of India.
According to Living Tree Heritage, the Goa Tree Authority has not only greenlit the felling of thousands of trees but has also permitted the pruning of an additional 1,384 trees and 274 mangroves. The group points out that this approval comes in response to requests from several government bodies, including the Public Works Department, Railways, Goa Tamnar, Ports Authority, and Technical Training Regiment, all seeking permission for tree removal and pruning to facilitate ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects in the region.
The conservation group emphasises the irony of this decision, stating, "While different parts of the country are witnessing unprecedented floods and landslides, the powers that be, whose mandate is to protect our trees and forests, are instead overseeing their destruction to make way for ‘development’.”
The group expressed concern about the potential ecological consequences of such large-scale deforestation.Living Tree Heritage issued a rallying cry for those concerned about the long-term impact of this extensive tree removal on Goa's ecosystem.
QUOTE:
While different parts of the country are witnessing unprecedented floods and landslides, the powers that be, whose mandate is to protect our trees and forests, are instead overseeing their destruction to make way for ‘development’
Living Tree Heritage, NGO