It is observed that road-widening work is going on in full swing at several places in the state. It is true that we do need broad roads in order to keep pace with the increase in the number of vehicles. However, it is seen that thousands of trees are being chopped in order to widen the roads. Trees are essential for several reasons. Trees provide shade, increase the Oxygen content of the atmosphere, fight air pollution improve the beauty and most importantly reduce global warming. If such a vast number of trees in the state are being cut down, then it will have a negative impact on the environment.
There needs to be a balance between development and saving the environment. It may take decades for a tree to grow but just a few minutes to cut it down. The authority concerned needs to make it a mission to plant two saplings for every tree that has been cut down.
It is pertinent to note that in the state of Kerala whenever a tree, which could even be a coconut tree, has to be removed for road-widening or any other developmental activity, a special heavy machinery is utilised which uproots the tree from the spot where it is located and replants the tree along with its roots at an alternate site. It would be desirable for the Goa government to procure such a tree transplanting machinery so that the green cover of the state is not diminished.
