An age-old Ashoka tree along the Swatantra Path in Vasco came crashing down on Saturday morning claiming the life of a two wheeler-rider.
There are several Ashoka trees along this busy road which are more than 90 years old, have outlived their life and need to be cut down. These massive trees barely have any roots to support them (as seen in the photograph).
In the past too, several trees along the route had got uprooted and fallen on the parked cars. A tragedy like this which claimed the life of a local was waiting to happen. The local councillor had got a few old trees cut down after assessing their strength. However, it is humanly impossible to predict if one of these trees will come crashing down. Hence, the authorities concerned need to cut down all these ageing trees on a war footing before another tragedy strikes.
Such an incident during the annual Saptah festival when thousands of people crowd the Swatantra Path will result in a major tragedy.
