Team Herald
GUIRIM: The Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte on Monday pointed out that the coconut trees cut along the Guirim–Porvorim stretch during the road expansion work under way was because they were not in alignment with the road.
He said wherever trees were cut new ones will be planted and besides that, additional trees will also be planted.
“Maximum of the road widening work is underway in Porvorim. When it started we had come here and protested to save these coconut trees. It was called Chipko Movement and we ensured that the coconut trees were not cut. For the last two-and-half years while the work was going on various NGOs and forums have been coming and holding the trees saying Chipko Movement to save trees. We have the same love towards these trees in the manner these environmentalists do. To save these trees only, there were changes made in the alignment of the national highway,” said Rohan in reaction to the questions asked by the protestors at the recent chipko Movement held, at Guirim.
“The whole alignment of the road was shifted to ensure that these trees are safe. Few trees were cut because they were not in alignment with the road. Minimum number trees have been cut. When they were being cut we also took an assurance from them that in the monsoon plantation of new trees will be carried out,” he added.
Speaking further, he went on to state that coconut trees were already having an issue as they were infected by worms. Over the last five years many trees were infected and not treated as yet.
“Henceforth not a single tree will be cut but in fact more will be planted. When we have this plantation of trees we will call these NGOs as well the people of Porvorim. This is proposed to take place somewhere in June. We are also here to save the environment as well as take care of it,” stated the Porvorim MLA.
One can recall that Save Coconut Chipko Andolan was held on April 4 to save the identity of Goa that was at stake as the State tree was being destroyed.
