Team Herald

VASCO: The state forest department officials have initiated an inquiry into the illegal felling of large number of trees in a private property at Maimollem, Vasco. 

A case has been booked against the owner of the property under Section 8 of Prevention of Trees Act 1984.  According to the information, following complaints from a citizens group - NIZ Goenkar about illegal felling of trees in a private property at Maimollem in Vasco, the officials of department inspected the site. During inspection, the department officials identified about 39 trees (measuring 30 to 60 Girths) that were illegally cut down without obtaining any permission from the department.

“We have inspected the site following a complaint. As these trees were cut without obtaining any permission, we have also booked a case against the owner of property,” informed Siddesh Gaude, RFO, Mobile Squad Margao.

While investigating the case, the forest department could get only the name of the property owner and hence the department would now write to the office of sub registrar seeking address of the property owner so that summons can be issued, he added.

Meanwhile, members of NIZ Goenkar alleged that the trees were cut using political influence and hence the case should be probed thoroughly and strict action should be initiated against person/s involved.