Herald: Has the government’s intention to amend the Tree Protection Act been wrongly interpreted?
Arlekar: Yes definitely! I was surprised over the misconception of the entire amendment. The way the issue was politicized is a classic example of how things or issues can be misconceived and put before the public. I was very disturbed and in pain to see how the issue was politicized. Our entire amendment was to promote the coconut plantation in large numbers. Government had no intention to allow felling of coconut trees for development purposes but we want farmers to plant good quality coconuts.
Herald: Sir, can you please elaborate on how the amendment will benefit promotion of coconut?
Arlekar: Coconut is a commercial commodity, generating revenue for several farmers for decades now. But for the past few years, the coconut yield has gone down thus increasing its price in the market. Now with scientific development and genetic changes, there are good quality high yield coconut plants available, which need to be planted to increase production. These new coconut plants being small in size give additional advantage to farmers to pluck the coconut on their own. With declassifying the coconut from the purview of a tree, we have removed it from the Forest Act guidelines, thereby brining it under the Agricultural sector. This will help farmers cut the old coconut trees and plant new trees of high yield. The Agricultural department offers several schemes for coconut production, yield etc. Farmers can avail benefits under this. We are now also seriously working on brining in a legislation-Coconut Promotion and Protection Act under the Agricultural department.
Herald: There are allegations that Goa is the only State that has allowed felling of coconut trees, which is illegal?
Arlekar: Let me make it clear, that before brining in the amendment, State government had studied the Tree Protection Acts in other parts of the country. It was noticed that our counterparts including Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala, which have large coconut production, have brought in legislations, wherein individuals don’t require any permission to cut coconut tree. It is not just coconut, but these States have even allowed felling of cashew and mango trees without permission as well.
Herald: Does BJP feel that the issue could play a major spoil sport for the party during the forthcoming elections?
Arlekar: There is no doubt that this issue is been unnecessarily hyped by a few political opponents considering this is an election year. But at the same time, this issue is not going to last for long. People slowly understand the falsehood of the issue. People of Goa now know very well that this is nothing but a political campaign.
