the goan I network
VASCO
Swatantra Path is the only road in the port town having Ashoka trees on either side. These trees, which are over 50 years old, were not only providing shade, but also adding a refreshing look to the avenue.
The earlier council had cut about 20 trees during the monsoon as these had grown weak and posed danger to pedestrians and vehicles. However, the council failed to replace the felled trees and the street wore a deserted look.
Taking note of this, the present council plans to replant saplings of various kinds, including fruit-bearing trees.
Speaking to The Goan, MMC Chairperson Deepak Naik said he has written to the forest department to provide fruit and flower-bearing saplings as replacement for the the earlier Ashoka trees. “I have also requested Forest and Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar to direct the forest department to provide us good quality saplings so that we can restore the lost greenery,” Naik said.
When asked whether there are any plans to cut the remaining old Ashoka trees along the road, Naik said only the weak trees will be cut and replaced with new saplings, while others will be trimmed.
To a question if MMC has constituted a disaster management team to tackle any eventuality during the monsoon, Naik said a disaster management team of eight MMC workers and a supervisor have already been stationed at the fire department to assist during any rain-related emergency or calamity.
“We have also constituted a monitoring cell at MMC to answer calls during any eventuality on Saturdays and Sundays which is headed by senior supervisor Prakash Harijan. He can be contacted on his cell phone 9881650105,” he informed.
