MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Tense moments prevailed in Taleigao on Thursday when residents in the locality objected to a cutting of an age-old tree on Communidade land.
While the land owner claimed that he had the right to cut down the dangerous tree, residents retaliated stating that the tree belonged to the Comunidade of Taleigao. “Without proper documentation, the felling of trees is being done in the village despite facing opposition from the locals,” said activist Cecille Rodrigues.
On Thursday, the residents gathered outside the owner’s house, furious that he was cutting an age-old tree. When the person in charge of the tree felling was questioned regarding the documents and required permissions, no response was given by the owner to the residents. This infuriated the residents, who were bent on calling the police.
“Wednesday when we did the inspection of the area, we got to know that the tree is located on the land belonging to Comunidade of Taleigao and not on the land, which is privately owned by the person. This person is allegedly cutting down the tree with no proper documents. Wednesday morning, they came to cut the tree, and we stopped the work. In the evening they came, but we again stopped the work. Now, Thursday morning they have arrived very early to cut the tree,” said Cecile, who was present at the spot, supporting the locals.
Immediately, the Panjim police arrived at the spot to investigate the matter. The locals told the police about the whole situation and requested them to stop the work until the owner had proper documentation.
When contacted, Panjim police told O Heraldo that when they were called by the owner to the spot. They also stated that the owner had the permissions and officials of forest department were present at the site.
Meanwhile, Comunidade of Taleigao attorney Xavier de Almeida on Thursday lodged a police complaint stating that there was criminal trespass in the Comunidade land and that a tree was being cut without obtaining permission them.
