THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
The Colva Bio-diversity Management Board has cried foul as unknown persons chopped a number of banyan trees near the Colva Tinto, even as officials of the Forest department descended at the site on Saturday to take stock of the situation.
The trees were chopped just around a week ago and the activists have named a panch member, who had reportedly made his presence felt when the activity was underway.
Chairperson of the Colva Bio-diversity Management Board, Judith Almeida lodged a formal complaint with the Forest Department after she came across the felling the banyan trees close to the Tinto.
“The trees were standing along the road, and the area where the trees were located was the most beautiful place as it played host to the maximum number of banyan trees. I have been told that a panch member had come here some days ago and ordered the cutting of the trees without any permission,” she claimed.
“As the chairperson of the Bio-diversity Board, I want a thorough investigation into the felling of the banyan trees, whether the panch or some other person had any permission to cut down the trees,” she demanded, adding “just because one is a panch member, you don’t get the license to do anything and get away with it”.
Range Forest Officer Ramakhant Naik along with forest officers carried out an assessment of the number of banyan trees felled at Colva.
“We have come here to assess the number of trees felled at Colva following a complaint lodged by Judith Almeida. We will go back to the office to ascertain whether the department had issued any permission to cut down the trees,” he said.
Replying to a question, the RFO told the media that the issue will be discussed with Forest Department higher-ups before taking any action.
Judith, on the other hand, demanded stern action against the guilty, warning that she would move the courts if no action was forthcoming from the authorities.
