MARGAO: Tensions were running high in Mollo, in Pale, when Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) workers were trying to cut a prized Mango tree near the railway tracks, which was stopped after locals started protesting against the same.
It is to be noted that the age-old Mango tree is located on the ground while the railway track is placed on an elevated embankment of 4-5 metres height. There are a lot of houses near the trees that are being felled, including the Mango tree.
Locals have also been objecting to the permissions granted by the Margao Deputy Collector to RVNL to fell 1,384 trees from Majorda to Pale, which is in the operational occupation area of Indian Railways. When the locals had complained to the Forest Department, they were asked to take up any disputes in ownership claims with the Revenue Department.
On Monday evening, locals along with Velsao-Pale-Issorcim village panch member Rudika Souza and OlencioSimoes of GoenchoEkvott rushed to the site.
What upset locals is that when they questioned the railway workers, they were told that the Mango tree belongs in the property of the railways.
The locals disputed the claim and pointed out that the tree which belongs to the villagers was even bearing fruit and they asked the railway officials to show ownership proof to support their claims. Locals also asserted that the area in question is presently not owned by the Indian Railways.
