PONDA: Priol MLA and Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude has urged the Deputy Collector and the landlords to co-operate in granting permission to cut trees which are leaning dangerously on houses in Priol and across Goa, posing risk to life and property during monsoon.
He asked house owners to follow proper procedure with the Deputy Collector in cutting the trees.
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“While the Deputy Collector should not hesitate to order immediately dangerous trees leaning on houses, the landlord too should allow permission on humanitarian ground and co-operate in felling trees,” Gaude said.
He was speaking to the media in the backdrop of incidents of tree collapse damaging houses in Marcel recently.
He recalled that last year in Bethki, two locals had lost lives after a tree fell on a house. He said in monsoon gusty winds lead to trees falling on houses, causing loss to property and lives. People are rendered homeless.
He said since the past seven years he is voicing concern over dangerous trees. He said sometimes the landlord objects to tree felling.
“The house owner needs to first need to file a complaint with the panchayat, which then informs the Deputy Collector, who in turn directs forest officials to inspect and in case a tree is agriculture produce like coconut then agriculture officials are directed to inspect the property,” Gaude said.
“After the inspection, the Deputy Collector should not hesitate to give permission for cutting the dangerous trees. In the past, I have successfully convinced landlords and got their approval to cut dangerous trees on houses,” he said.
Gaude asserted that it is necessary for landowners to give permission to cut the branches or trees and that homeowners who are facing danger from trees should take the initiative and apply properly to the Deputy Collector through the Panchayat.
