“Coconut tree was included in the list of trees by error in 2008. We have amended the Act only to correct it,” Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar told reporters responding to the widespread criticism on the government’s decision to reclassify the coconut tree.
The minister added, “Botanically coconut has been classified as a palm and not a tree.” He added that the proposal to classify coconut as palm had been pending for long.
The cabinet last month approved an amendment to the Goa Daman and Diu Preservation of Trees Act, 1984. The decision included omission of Sec 1-A and inclusion of coconut tree in Section 12-A, “Removal of trees” etc, which are ruinous or likely to fall.
Arlekar ruled out apprehensions that the move is to allow uncontrolled cutting of coconut trees. “Coconut tree is close to the heart of Goans. They will never allow it to be cut. The tree does not require any protection of law when traditionally it has been so close to the livelihood of the people,” the minister said.
He said the decision was taken after proper thinking. “There was also a discussion on this topic during State Legislative Assembly session held in the past,”
he said.
