TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BICHOLIM: In a bid to corner noted environmentalist Ramesh Gawas, the Bicholim Nagarik Jagrut Samithi (BNJS) and various mining-related associations have accused Gawas and his family of illegal tree cutting and construction.
Gawas has, however, denied all the allegations and has claimed that he was “in no way related to the issue.”
The BNJS along with residents of Bicholim, North Goa Truck Owners Association, Machine Owners Association and those dependent on mining activities staged a protest rally on Saturday, demanding action against Gawas for the illegalities.
In a press note, Prashant Dhargalkar of the BNJS stated that a large number of people participated in the rally, which started at Bicholim bus stand and ended at Chatrapati Shivaji Maidan, demanding arrest and action against Gawas in the matter.
“The illegal construction and tree cutting of very old Jamun tree was observed last week and subsequently, a written complaint was filed on November 20, seeking to stop the illegal construction. When we enquired about the alleged illegal tree cutting with the Bicholim Municipal Council, Bicholim police station, Bicholim Primary Health Centre and Forest department, it was noted that permission was not obtained to cut the tree and construct the toilet,” Dhargalkar stated.
“Being an active environmentalist, Ramesh Gawas has been actively involved in the standstill of mining activities on grounds of environmental degradation by mining industries. He has now indulged in the illegal cutting of a tree and an illegal construction,” Dhargalkar added.
The protest rally was addressed by Dhargalkar and leaders of various mining-related unions.
When contacted, Gawas denied all the allegations. “I am in no way related to the issue. The tree that has been cut was not in my property and so I deny all the allegations,” said Gawas.
