30 Apr 2024  |   06:45am IST

Residents, activists label felling of trees along Margao ring road as ‘murder’

Say these trees did not pose any immediate threat to commuters; note that trees adjacent to the road were left untouched while those deeper within the forest were cut

Team Herald

MARGAO: Concerned over the recent large-scale felling of trees along the Margao Ring Road, stretching from Comba subway to the Colva road, residents and activists from Margao and surrounding areas have labelled the act as ‘murder’ rather than mere trimming.

Activists Zarina da Cunha, Kim Miranda, and Croydon Madeira allege that the operation, purportedly for tree trimming, resulted in the unnecessary and extensive chopping down of numerous trees, some over 50 years old.

According to the activists, these trees did not pose any immediate threat to commuters. They claimed that the tree felling was allegedly carried out without proper authorisation from the District Collector and without legitimate cause, indicating a potential ulterior motive behind the operation.

Madeira voiced suspicions about the selective nature of the felling, noting that trees adjacent to the road were left untouched while those deeper within the forest were cut down.

“In cases of dangerous trees, only trimming is allowed, but here there was large-scale felling,” he stated, emphasising the need for accountability and calling for the immediate removal of the officer overseeing the operation as well as the blacklisting of the contractor responsible.

Activist Zarina Da Cunha condemned the actions of the authorities and the events that had unfolded, labelling it a ‘murder of the trees’ rather than mere trimming.

She demanded transparency regarding the engagement of the contractor and raised concerns about the possible involvement of a timber mafia.

When the activists attempted to intervene after discovering the tree felling in progress; those present at the site fled.

Promptly notifying the Forest Department, local police, and South Goa District Collector, the activists reported the alarming situation.

In response to the outcry, local authorities pledged to send an officer to inspect the situation. Police, too, arrived at the scene. Subsequently, a copy of an order issued by the disaster management authority regarding pre-monsoon works was presented, though it did not alleviate the activists’ concerns.

However, the activists remain adamant in their demand for accountability and justice for the felled trees. They aim to ensure measures are put in place to prevent similar allegedly unauthorised felling of trees in the future.