Cavelossim villagers demanding action against the destroyers of the mangrove trees in the village. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
With official reports confirming that 102 mangrove trees and 98 Acacia trees were destroyed in the village earlier this year, Cavelossim villagers on Sunday demanded to know why the concerned authorities are dragging their feet to penalise the violators as per the law.
In fact, social activist Shalton Fernandes told the media on Sunday that while they are in possession of reports from the authorities about the destruction of mangroves and acacia trees, no action has been forthcoming from the authorities.
“It’s now five months since the reports have conformed destruction of the mangroves and acacia and other trees. But, none of the authorities empowered to initiate action, have imposed fines on the violators,. This only goes to show the indifference shown by the authorities to environment and eco-sensitive areas’, Shalton said.
He added; “When we demanded to know from the Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz over the destruction of the mangroves, he say the Sarpanch have no powers to impose fines. He says the panchayat have written to the authorities, but it’s five months now and there is no news of any action taken against the violators”.
Social activist Polly Lobo has warned to the builders and purchasers of land that Cavelossim is not for sale anymore. “The authorities and the leaders are not serious in initiating action against the destroyers of the mangroves. When members raise such issues at the gram sabha meetings, they only resort to dramas to fool the villagers. I want to convey a message loud and clear to all builders and land purchasers that Cavelossim village is not for sale anymore”, he warned.
