Team Herald
PONDA: A family at Varkhandem, Ponda has requested the government to step in and cut the coconut tree that was precariously placed and on the verge of collapsing on the house, after the PMC and the Fire Department had displayed their inability to help in the matter.
The tree, located inside the house has become a threat to their lives and the family has been spending the last few nights sleepless. In fact, the matter seems to be unresolved for the past 22 years.
According to owner of the house Vikramsingh Chautala, the house was inhabited by six members and the towering tree posed danger to their lives.
The family had complained to Deputy Collector, who had give permission to cut the tree. However, as a special initiative was required to cut and lift the coconut tree, which would involve the services of the crane and expenses, they remained hesitant.
He said not only PMC, but the fire department too had expressed its inability to cut the tree.
According to them the effort required an expert labourer and a special crane, which was only available at Panjim and would cost around Rs 17,000.
However, the Municipality labourers seem ready to cut the tree provided all roof and rafter were cleared. But the family seemed reluctant due to the rains.
Interestingly, the family has been initiating efforts to cut the coconut tree for the past 22 years, but there were initial objections due to property dispute, despite the collector’s permission to cut the tree.
According to social worker Viraj Sapre the government must help the family cut the tree and also provide a toilet which they could not initiate due to property dispute.
