As Mr Jerry Gomes from Navelim has very rightly said, the coconut tree is “the symbol of Goa (Herald, 15 Feb). However, Gomes goes on to say that “some ignorant ministers” want to “destroy the lovely coconut tree (or coconut palm, rather) by declassification from the purview of a tree”. By removing it from the Conservation of Trees Act of the Forest Department, the lovely coconut palm does not become any less a tree, nor does it turn into grass. The coconut grove does not become a meadow or grazing ground.
But just consider this: if the coconut palm continued to be included as a Tree under the relevant Act, what would a farmer do if his coconut garden were declared a “private forest”? How would he pluck the coconuts every quarter and how would the trader take the coconuts out of the farmer’s property? They would have to obtain permission from the concerned Forest authorities. Let us say: Every three months, the farmer seeks permission to pluck – that would take three months to come? Then the trader would have to seek permission to take the produce out of the property, just like for timber or firewood, after declaring the number of coconuts (possible only after the harvest) – again three months for him to obtain the licence?
Besides, it would also deter the farmer from planting new trees. If, in his garden, he happens to have some 10 or 20 palms that yield just 10 coconuts per year, the farmer, though running at a loss, would not be allowed to cut them, thus being deprived of rejuvenating the garden or planting new saplings.
I want the readers and owners of coconut gardens to know that those being dubbed as ‘ignorant ministers’ of the BJP Government are not destroying the coconut tree (or coconut palm). On the contrary, they are saving or protecting the farmer from possible and most likely incessant and prolonged hassles whenever he wants to cut down unproductive palms for rejuvenation of the garden or the harvest time comes round.
Having said this, I hope all those who are trying to influence the sentiments of the coconut-loving people or otherwise opposing the removal of the “coconut tree” from the purview of the Conservation of Trees Act and those who have appealed to the Governor not to approve the Bill, will withdraw their appeal and allow the Bill to become an Act, thus saving the coconut growers and other owners of coconut gardens, or even the humble owner of a single coconut palm, from undue hassles that would likely come their way, had the coconut palm continued to be classified as a Tree under the said Act.
