Under Preservation of Trees Act (Amendment Act 2008), the Deputy Collector (SDO) can order cutting of trees or branches, which threaten neighbouring properties and life. But the SDO only considers issues pertaining to trees and construction while giving his decision. He does not screen the documents to verify if the complainant is the real owner of the property or an illegal encroacher.
They used to first cut many branches of our tree to satisfy a government employee, who encroached our property illegally after encroaching fields, pond and water way, belonging to the Comunidade of Serula in the eco-sensitive area. Though according to reports of Forest Officers, there is only one branch cut and there are 14 branches with growth of 0.50 to 0.80 leaning over the house, it seems the officers are poorly paid by the government. It is surprising to see our MLAs Michael Lobo and Glenn Ticlo arguing about cutting trees. It would be interesting to ask them if they will cut their trees to satisfy anyone encroaching in their property. This Act should be amended to ensure that Forms I and XIV and house plans should mandatorily attached to complaints since otherwise it is a serious encroachment of the owner’s rights.
It was reported in the media that the chief minister intended to legalize old illegal constructions based on house tax receipts, but those receipts are sold in the panchayats for a price. We won’t be surprised if there is an illegal encroachment in our property after the person produces house tax receipts of more than 10 years and even before the illegal construction occurred. There are enough corrupt panchayat officials and panchayat members to produce such house tax receipts.
