PANAJI
Calling the illegal destruction of trees on the Caranzalem-Miramar road blatant violation of law, AAP leaders Valmiki Naik and Cecille Rodrigues demanded to know who permitted a road through the protected no-development zone.
“The Monserrates are the elected representatives in both the Assembly and at the municipal level. Who has authorised this destruction and for whose benefit? Do they think they are the king, queen and prince of Panaji and Taleigaoand that no laws apply to them?” Rodrigues questioned.
Naik said the area was actually proposed to be made into an “urban forest” under a Central scheme.
“The Miramar-Caranzalem beachfront, which is already considerably vegetated, was to be made into an urban forest under the Centre’s ‘Nagar Van’ scheme. It was proposed to protect this coastal buffer zone by planting endemic trees,” Naik charged.
Reacting to allegations that the road was being created to facilitate access to a nearby starred hotel, Rodrigues said hotels are welcome, but not the destruction of the State’s natural heritage.
