MARGAO: A special review meeting to discuss the proposed works on the Margao-Canacona was held at the Matanhy Saldanha Complex, on Thursday, where an assurance was given that the government will try and limit the number of trees that need to be cut.
PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral and the officials of his department and that of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) were present at the meeting along with Canacona MLA and Goa Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar. Members of the Opposition, both of Goa Forward Party and Congress were also present.
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During the discussions, concerns of the public were put forward about the number of trees that would need to be cut for the NH 66 expansion works to be completed.
Cabral said, “The motto is to avoid cutting trees wherever possible and the government wanted to avoid building a tunnel as it would affect water bodies in the area too.”
While over 13,000 trees were counted on the proposed alignment, Cabral reiterated that a resurvey will be done.
He added four underpasses will also be built for the animals that pass the area and also an over bridge for the commuters.
At the meeting, a litigant was also present who had approached the High Court about the tree cutting issue.
They said, “The public has to be taken into confidence.”
Cabral stated that the government has nothing to hide and shared all details about the breakup of trees that need to be cut in specific areas namely Quepem and Canacona.
He also gave the number of teak trees, nilgiri trees etc to be axed.
