MARGAO
A fortnight after Cyclone Tauktae which brought down innumerable number of trees and as many tilting on one side precariously, the Margao Municipal Council has swung into action to trim the trees which are posing imminent danger of falling.
For, South Goa district Collector Ruchika Katyal, IAS, has issued an order to the Margao Municipal Chief Officer Agnelo Fernadnes to get the trees trimmed in the jurisdiction of the Municipal area as per the list compiled by the Salcete Mamlatdar’s office.
Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes informed that a number of trees have been listed for trimming or cutting depending on the danger posed to property and human life. He said the Margao Council will execute the work on an urgent basis and would complete the work before the onset of monsoons.
In the order, Collector Ruchika pointed out that Cyclone "Tauktae" had affected the Goan coast and other parts of Goa on May 16, leaving a trail of destruction like damage to electricity supply, houses, trees, etc along with a loss of human lives.
She said it was noted that a lot of damage to private and public properties was specifically reported within the jurisdiction of Margao Municipal Council primarily caused due to numerous tree falls, pointing out that this was again brought to her notice Margao MLA and Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat vide his letter dated 24/05/2021.
Immediately, directions were issued to the Mamlatdar of Salcete to conduct a detailed survey of trees posing imminent danger to private/public properties in case of tree fall during monsoon within the jurisdiction of Margao Municipal Council. The Mamlatdar of Salcete has filed a detailed report, listing out the trees posing imminent danger.
“As per the Mamlatdar’s report, it is ascertained that the trees indicated by the Mamlatdar of Salcete that the trees mentioned in the report need to be trimmed/cut to avoid loss of public/private property during monsoon”, the Collector stated.
While directing the MMC Chief Officer to carry out trimming of the trees as indicated in the report of the Salcete Mamlatdar, the Collector, however, has stated that the MMC may spare the trees in cases were the trees stand on private land and the owners are in disagreement of trimming of these trees.
The cost of trimming the trees will be borne by the MMC.
Directing the Chief Officer to execute the work on a war footing, the Collector has warned of action initiated against the Officer under section 57 of the Disaster Management Act and liabilities in case of any untoward incidents and casualties due to non-compliance will be fixed on the Chief Officer in person for negligence of duties.
