Team Herald
COLVALE: Activists and locals are up in arms against the felling of six old and iconic mango trees lined up at Colvale near Binani on Wednesday. The protestors were at the site safeguarding the trees from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. Earlier in the day few were seen gathered around the tree in a chain formation and hugging the trees.
The road construction contractor, an official from MVR official admitted that they do not have the permissions to cut the trees and assured the gathering not to cut the trees. He stopped the work and said he would consult their Chief Engineer to reconsider the alignment of the road. The contractors have dug deep and damaged the roots of these trees. The Goa Green Brigade and Goencho Avaaz also were part of this protest.
It has been decided that a delegation will meet the PWD Minister on Thursday at 11.00 am.
A local of Colvale and India’s ace Fashion Designer, Wendell Rodricks said that he will go to the President’s office if need be to intervene in this matter. “If they are going to cut these trees I am going to lie down on this road and die for this country. There is a Supreme Court order that you cannot touch a structure that is over 100 year old and if you try to demolish the chapel or these trees I will not keep quiet. Tell the PWD minister that we will break your machinery and stop all the equipment. We will lie down on this road and stop the traffic here,” said the padmashree awardee.
A member of Goencho Avaaz, Roshan Mathias stated that the trees are part of our heritage. “When travelling on this route we would stop and sit here if it was hot. If you ask anyone to draw something related to Colvale they would draw a picture of this location. We ask the government and local MLA to stop the trees from being cut and revoke the license if any,” said Roshan.
A local Agnelo Nobbay expressed his feelings of this rapid destruction being carried out in the state due to the highway expansion work. “It is not just about Colvale. They are destroying the environment and I cannot see this. When you ride a bike the heat of the sun is terrible and these trees give shade and coolness. The politicians need to get out of their AC car and they will know the importance of trees. The shade and oxygen given by one mango tree cannot be compared to the ornamental trees,” said Nobbay.
Speaking at the occasion the Co-convenor of Goencho Avaaz, Captain Viriato Fernandes asked the contractor why they cut the roots of these big tree. “First of all you’ll do not have permission than how is the work being carried out. I am from a military background. I will not die and sacrifice my life. This is Goa and you should understand our sentiments or else we know how to deal with you’ll,” warned Viriato.
