SIOLIM: From a reflective mood, villagers from Siolim were euphoric and full of praise for the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court after the petitioners were allowed to implead Calangute MLA Michael lobo and the Village Panchayat as respondents 8 and 7 of the petition.
“One cannot get away with everything all the time. There is a time when everything has to come to an end and this is God’s intervention at the right time through the High Court,” reacted petitioner Maria Fernandes.
“People don’t know their rights. They get frightened of what they should do and not do. Despite being educated, we behave as though we are not. The direction of the High Court today proves the power of the people,” said an ecstatic Fernandes.
First Petitioner Aaron Victor Fernandes, through advocate Norma Alvares “provided information regarding the ancient trees that were felled. The affidavit states that the trees were in private property,” states the High Court order.
“I am happy the way the High Court has taken this case with utmost earnest and respect for trees and that they are treating the trees the way they should. The felling amounts to mass murder and the judges are looking at the case in that way,” boomed Aaron.
The videos provided to the High Court and accepted as evidence has demonstrated how technology could be a strong deterrent to similar cases in the future.
“The videos provided and the documentation created and presented in court is helping the way various government departments are responding and it is getting clear that they are realising they cannot fool with hard evidence,” quipped Aaron.
“It is a matter of time, the culprits will be held accountable. For all people in power, the message is simple – don’t mess around. You are elected to serve and not make money at the cost of environment and the voters,” warned Aaron.
To rub salt on injury, the High Court order further reads: “The learned Advocate General has made it clear that the Public Works Department (PWD) was neither widening the road nor had anything to do with the felling of trees from the private properties…In short, the learned advocate General submitted that the PWD had nothing to do with the felling of trees in Siolim.”
“He (Michael Lobo) thought he could walk into our village and do what he wants just because we voted for his wife. I don’t know whether this is a good lesson for him or he will continue,” stated Francisca as she helped her colleagues prepare the church for Maundy Thursday.
As Siolkars prepare for the penultimate days of the holy week, Mathilda Dias best describes the spirit when she said, “Our pain on seeing the trees being cut indiscriminately is easing out with the High Court arising hope for justice. I never expected this to happen.”
“I am completely confused. I cannot say anything right now,” stated Siolim Sarpanch, Abhay Shirodkar.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo did not respond to phone calls.
Goa Green Brigade demands exemplary punishment
Welcomes HC decision to implead Calangute MLA in tree felling case
PANJIM: The Goa Green Brigade has welcomed the decision of the Bombay High Court at Goa, to allow to implead the Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary of Siolim- Marna Village Panchayat and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo in the Siolim tree cutting case.
Those found guilty must be given exemplary punishment so that it acts as a deterrence in the future and to ensure that law makers don’t become law breakers, urged Goa Green Brigade convenor Avertino Miranda.
He said, “While the Goa Green Brigade is not against development, but it has to be sustainable and without destruction of our natural heritage. Build roads around the trees as the expanded roads invariably are occupied to park vehicles or for commercial carts. Expansion of roads is not the solution.”
