MARGAO: The incident of several decades-old trees being cut down in Panjim has also ignited anger among the citizens of Salcete taluka, charging the government for being insensitive towards the environment.
Speaking to O Heraldo, citizens and environmentalists expressed anxiety over the incident, stating that the future generations will have to bear the consequences of the present government’s actions.
The cutting of trees at the St Inez area in Panjim for Smart City works has angered local residents and social activists. Despite objections and protests, authorities proceeded with their plans, shocking many.
Christalina Rodrigues, a senior citizen of Salcete, expressed her frustration over the incident, questioning the purpose of development that fails to protect the environment for future generations.
She remarked that witnessing repeated incidents of tree cutting is very disheartening. While development is cited as the reason, it indicates the government’s growing insensitivity towards the environment, she stated.
Rodrigues also attributed the blame for climate change over the years to those who have neglected environmental protection.
Gopal Naik, another citizen of coastal Salcete, alleged that the government is deceiving people in the name of development and engaging in activities harmful to the environment.
He criticised the lack of sincere efforts from the government or authorities in planting more trees, noting that only superficial programs and slogans are visible.
Naik emphasised that it is the responsibility of the government or authorities to find solutions rather than indiscriminately cutting down trees in the name of development.
Rodney D’Souza, an environmentalist, urged the judiciary and other authorities to take suo motu cognisance of the incident reported in Panjim on Friday.
He argued that court intervention has already exposed the failure of the government and authorities to protect public interests in Panjim. He described the incident as another example of government insensitivity towards the environment.
D’Souza further lamented that the government is setting a wrong example for children regarding environmental conservation, with trees being felled without consideration for the damage to nature.
