Team Herald
PANJIM: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday condemned the illegal destruction of trees along the Caranzalem-Miramar road. Calling it a blatant violation of law, AAP leaders Valmiki Naik and Cecille Rodrigues demanded to know who gave permission for making a road through the protected no-development zone.
Naik expressed shock at the destruction, stating that the area was actually proposed to be made into an ‘urban forest’ under a Central government scheme.
“The Miramar-Caranzalem beach front, which is already considerably vegetated, was to be made into an ‘urban forest’ under the Centre’s ‘Nagar Van’ scheme. It was proposed to protect this coastal buffer zone by planting endemic trees and resilient shrubs. Instead of an urban forest, the Monserrates are creating a concrete jungle”, Naik charged.
Reacting to allegations that the road was being created to facilitate access to a nearby starred hotel, Rodrigues said hotels are welcome, but not destruction of our natural heritage.
“If it is true, then the hotel should actually ask their guests why they come to Goa. Goa is known for its natural beauty and environmental heritage, and tourists come to enjoy this. But to satisfy their greed, the Monserrate family is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs”, alleged Rodrigues.
Naik and Rodrigues demanded immediate action on the illegalities, and warned that the party would take further action including legal recourse if the area was not restored to its original condition immediately.
