THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Days after Calangute MLA Michael Lobo defended the cutting of trees for road and infrastructure development, the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) has raised strong objections to the felling of trees along the scenic stretch from Dolphin Circle to Bodko Vodd in Calangute, citing a lack of planning and transparency in the execution of the project.
CCF President Premanand Diukar stated that while the forum acknowledges the intent behind infrastructure projects aimed at improving the village, such development must not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
“Development should not be at the expense of our ecological balance. The greenery and roadside trees form an essential part of Calangute’s identity. Any project that threatens this without scientific planning and proper procedures is unacceptable,” Diukar said.
The CCF has particularly taken issue with what it described as “haphazard planning” by the Public Works Department (PWD), accusing the department of initiating tree cutting without presenting a clear and approved road alignment plan.
“It is surprising that the PWD comes up with random ideas for road expansion but lacks proper planning. Haphazard decisions like these can have long-term negative impacts,” Diukar warned.
According to Diukar, the CCF has consistently supported development projects that adhere to principles of sustainability, transparency and public consultation. The forum has advocated for scientifically planned road alignments that reduce environmental impact while supporting infrastructure needs.
He further revealed that the Calangute MLA had previously assured the forum that a detailed road alignment plan would be shared for review and consultation within a week.
However, no such plan has been provided to the forum to date.
As a result, the CCF has resolved to oppose the ongoing tree-felling activity until the following conditions are met: submission of a detailed road alignment plan to the local panchayat or village body; conduct of a public consultation to assess environmental and social impacts; consideration of alternate solutions to minimise or avoid tree cutting wherever feasible; proper land acquisition procedures to be followed; and compensation to be provided to affected landowners and tenant farmers.
