Green Brigade Group coordinator Avertino Miranda said, “The protest was held to awaken other Goans explaining the issue and its consequences to them. It was also to inform the government that the people of Goa are against the Act and demand the denotification of this Act that does not recognise the coconut tree as a tree.”
He said a letter was submitted to Governor Mridula Sinha requesting her not to approve the amendment bill that classifies the coconut tree as a tree. Several individuals and groups have submitted similar representations to the Governor, he said.
Caroline Colaco, member of Green Brigade said, “It is illogical of the government to take these decisions without thinking of any aspects; be it ecological or others in general.”
Green Brigade also said the amendment will only benefit businesses cleared by the Investment Promotion Board and that the people whose livelihood depends on coconut trees will be drastically affected. Miranda said the act should be immediately scrapped out as it is disastrous for Goa’s economy.
