OLD GOA
Chimbel locals held a token protest, on Sunday, against the move of Provedoria to cut trees for an old aged home project in its property in the village.
The protest was held as villagers raised suspicion that the Provedoria officials have asked for police protection to cut 31 trees in the wake of opposition from the locals.
Among the protestors were children who held placards urging the government to save the trees and the heritage.
Speaking at the protest, a local Tukaram Kunkolkar said, “Reliable sources have informed us that the Provedoria officials have asked North Goa collector to provide police protection to facilitate cutting of the trees.”
“We are opposed to the cutting of the trees for the project as there is an existing unsafe building in the property which could be very well demolished to pave way for the project. We request the Collector to look into that issue first,” Kunkolkar said and added that they are not opposed to the project but opposed to the move of cutting trees when an alternative is available.
“We are not going to keep quiet if the government tries to bulldoze its way with the project,” Kunkolkar warned and alleged that the project is being used as a means to make money from the teak trees.
Extending his support to the villagers, former St Cruz MLA Victor Gonsalves requested the government not to touch the trees as the old building can be used for the same.
Merces local Michael Dias cited that it is wrong on part of the government to cut trees when people are being told to save trees and the environment.
“When there is an alternative available why is the government not exploring the same?” he questioned.
Another Merces local Sandesh said that the people are only asking for sustainable development.
