PONDA: The Don Khamb to Kapileshwarim road in Ponda experienced a tense situation on Thursday as a dangerously leaning tree threatened to collapse, causing panic among locals. The Kavlem Panchayat and Forest Department however intervened promptly, making plans to cut down the tree, to the relief to the community.
The incident occurred when PWD workers were repairing a damaged pipeline under the tree. During the excavation, it was discovered that the tree’s roots were entangled with the pipeline, complicating the repair process. The locals of Kavlem and Undir have been grappling with a water shortage for two days since the repair of the damaged pipeline was delayed due to the tree’s roots.
The tree, already leaning precariously, posed a significant risk to commuters and a nearby house.
Sarpanch Manuja Naik and Deputy Sushant Kapileshwarkar quickly visited the site. They informed Power Minister Ramakrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavlikar, who is also the local MLA, about the situation, and PWD officials were also dispatched to the location.
Given the emergency, it was decided to cut down the tree before resuming the pipeline repairs. This decision brought relief to the locals, who had been anxious about the potential collapse.
At the recent Gram Sabha, residents had demanded the removal of ten dangerous trees along this road, used frequently by school students and motorists. However, the Panchayat faced a financial hurdle, as the estimated cost of removing these trees was around Rs two lakh, a sum they could not afford.
Despite the financial constraints, the immediate threat necessitated action. Deputy Sarpanch Sushant Kapileshwarkar confirmed that the tree would be cut down on Friday after obtaining the necessary permissions from various authorities, including the Forest Department.
Narrow escape for motorists as dangerous coconut tree falls
MARGAO: In a late-night incident, a coconut tree fell on a house in Navelim, narrowly missing two passing vehicles. The incident occurred past midnight on the Navelim church to Rawanfond road.
The Navelim Civic & Consumer Forum had previously raised concerns about two trees – a banyan and a coconut tree – posing danger to road users. Despite constant reminders since October 30, 2023, and several official communications, including letters to the Mamlatdar, the Deputy Collector and the Chief Officer of Margao Municipal Council (MMC), no action had been taken.
Eyewitnesses informed that a large trailer truck, allegedly violating entry restrictions, struck the coconut tree, causing it to break into three pieces and fall across the road. Two cars with families, traveling in opposite directions, narrowly escaped being crushed. However, falling coconuts damaged the windscreens and roofs of both vehicles.
Heavy vehicles, including large trailers, continue to use this road despite clear signage prohibiting their entry. Truck drivers claim they are directed to this narrow road by GPS, instead of the wider, four-lane road via Konkan Railway Station. Adding to the problem, non-functional street lights, reported nearly a month ago, have yet to be addressed, despite complaints filed exacerbating safety risks in the area. Residents are urging local officials to take swift action to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of road users and nearby homeowners.
