Team Herald
MAPUSA: A huge Peepal tree branch crashed on Vithal Rakumai Temple at Mapusa following heavy downpour and strong winds on Thursday morning. The Fire Department is yet to estimate the loss as they were yet to clear the branch.
They suggested that the temple committee should clear the branch by engaging the services of professional tree cutters. In the last ten days, this the second incident reported at Mapusa, for which the Fire Department has asked that the matter be referred to professional tree cutters.
On receiving information about the incident at around 12.10 am, the Mapusa Fire Department team immediately rushed to the spot and trimmed the small branches but were unable to clear the huge branch.
When contacted, the Mapusa fire station sub-officer Ashok Parab informed that they have trimmed a few branches but the huge branch, which crashed on the temple, could not be cleared.
“We are unable to clear the huge branch as it is lying precariously. If the branch is moved there are chances of it falling and damaging the idol inside the temple and the wall,” he informed.
Parab said they have decided to let the task of clearing the tree be carried out by a professional and private tree cutter. “We have informed the devasthan members that we can assist if need be,” he said.
Another incident of a Peepal tree crashing on an abandoned house was reported in Siolim on Thursday at around 12.30 pm. The Fire Department cleared the branches outside as the tree fell in a private property.
