VALPOI: In a show of unity against the proposed IIT project at Melauli-Guleli, the locals had a unique celebration named “Vrukshabandhan” on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan wherein they tied “rakhis” to the trees that are likely to face the axe.
A resident Shubham Shivolkar said “Melauli villagers around 300, in batches, tied the traditional thread to most trees, which have been marked by the government and even to those in Survey No 67/1 proposed for IIT project.
“We have sentimental values and are devotional towards the trees present in the region where the project is proposed. It’s just not us, but even our ancestors took care of the land and the trees here,” he said.
Shivolkar said the villagers totally disagree with the axing of trees.
“The area is in possession of Scheduled Tribe community, where Vaghera Temple and a pond are situated,” said Sadayo Melekar, another resident.
Melekar said the plateau has springs, wells and ponds.
“Whenever we say tree or a jungle, we need to understand that the birds and animals depend on them. We should not forget that trees release oxygen. IIT Goa is very much needed for the development, but not at the cost of the environment,” he said.
Melekar said, “With a firm step towards “Vrukshabandhan”, the villagers want to make their stance clear to the government that they are totally and completely connected with this habitat and won’t let anyone destroy it.”
“We also request the government to kindly take us into consideration and shift this project to some other place in Goa wherein no jungle is affected,” he added.
