Residents of Siolim has expressed their anger and rage against the tree cutting for road widening. In a powerful display of unity and environmental advocacy people of Siolim have begun three days candlelight march against the illegal tree cutting in Siolim. The residents said that the road widening is not helping but only destroying our environment. They have demanded to stop tree cutting and road widening immediately.
Their collective voice resonated against the indiscriminate cutting of trees for road widening projects. The protesters vehemently opposed actions that disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems and endanger the environment under the guise of development.
One of the villagers, Avertin Muranda said that road widening will not solve the traffic jam issue, first identify the issue then act upon it. They even said that there is procedure to follow, ramped cutting of trees will not be tolerated. They further said that we are not against the development but government should make a plan for sustainable development.
“We are not facing any trouble with our roads, every where there is traffic during peak hours”, he added. “If road widening could solve the issue, then there wouldn’t have been any accident, which is rising in Goa. On an average there is one accident daily”. Said Miranda
Another villager added on saying that this is just murders of ecosystem. The concern authority should take villagers into confidence and proper plan should be chalk out.
“Politicians are doing this destruction under the pressure of builders lobby only for money”, he added. “In greed politicians are illegally accruing the land, manipulating the papers and selling them and If this continues then Goa will turn into a desert soon”, said the villager.
This impassioned gathering underscores the unwavering commitment of the community to protect biodiversity and safeguard the natural heritage of Goa.
