PANJIM: The Green Brigade group, along with several other groups, met Governor Mridula Sinha to convince her to reject the ‘coconut tree bill’.
Other groups such as Human Rights Law and Network and Green Goa Works led by Wendell Rodricks were part of the delegation.
Speaking to media persons, they said the bill is proposed to clear big businesses that will fell a number of trees.
Rodricks, Chairman of Green Goa Works said, “We held this meeting to convince the Governor to reject the coconut tree bill and she has agreed to our demand to an extent. She has told us that she will speak to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar about the issue.”
He said that the act is in favour of projects such as the Tiracol golf course and other major projects which need to fell a large number of trees.
“I cannot imagine Goa without coconut trees. The politicians cannot speak in English fluently but can use the language to amend laws. I have personally tried to convince her (Governor) on the basis of our cultural significance and emotions towards the coconut tree,” Rodricks said.
Valimiki Naik said, “Many groups have come here for the same reason that is to convince the Governor to not grant assent to the coconut tree bill as it hurts Goans, their identity and sentiments.”
Caroline Colaco, member of Human Rights Law and Network pointed out that Goa has a lot of kulaghars that will eventually fall into danger if the bill is passed. She said, “The reason we want trees with palm to be added in the Tree Act is because our Goa is also having a lot of areca nuts and these will be in danger as the Government can then cut all these trees for big projects.”
Also, ‘Goa Forgiving’ Goa’s Movement for Special Status presented a memorandum to the Governor demanding rejection of this bill.
