PANJIM: Minister for Environment and Forest Alina Saldanha was at the receiving from her own legislators who alleged they have been facing severe difficulties in cutting dangerously poised tree branches in their constituencies.
“We have to obtain license for the same purpose from the authority in Ponda. This process takes at least one month and by that time, the tree may cause damage to life and or property,” Calangute MLA Michael Lobo stated, asking that powers to cut branches be given to panchayats. “This is total injustice.”
The MLAs said that approaching the Forest Department for cutting of trees is proving an arduous task.
Saldanha informed that Panchayats do have powers but those posing dangers can be cut after site inspection. She justified that trees don’t pose dangers overnight as the residents or the occupants should be well aware when they become weak since the particular tree/s grow in their respective locality. “Don’t wait for the last minute to obtain permission,” she advised. Another BJP MLA Glenn Ticlo shot back at Alina’s statement, and criticized her.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar finally intervened saying one of the three Panchayat Act provisions states that the owner can cut the dangerous branches/trees and inform the Forest Department within 24 hours. He also expressed fear that in this guise, there could be cutting of trees even though they don’t pose danger. He quickly added they are studying possible amendments to the Act. “Department (forest) will go by the law,” Parrikar said.
