VASCO
The Goa Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) has written to Mormugao Deputy Collector Datttaraj Desai to express concern about trees falling in Vasco and has requested him to convene a joint meeting with authorities for an action plan to prevent such disasters, loss of life and damage to property.
The GOACAN petition was sent after a large tree came crashing in the Vasco market area on Sunday and while there was, fortunately, no loss or injury to life, about eight vehicles were damaged in the incident.
GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins said they have requested the deputy collector to convene a meeting with local and government agencies like MMC, forest, police, transport, electricity, PWD and fire & emergency services to prepare a road map to tackle the emerging situation of trees falling, more so due to unpredictable weather conditions.
“The MMC can submit a list of all trees along Swatantra Path, other roads and locations in Vasco, giving details like location, type of tree and approximate lifespan, last date of pruning along with a photograph of the tree and its base.”
“The forest department can submit a list of trees where pruning is urgently required and if there is a likelihood of trees falling in the near future.”
“The electricity department can submit a list of electricity poles and transformers near the trees, whether guard wires and stay wires are in place and how a shut down will be implemented in that area in case of an emergency," said Martins.
Martins said the fire & emergency services can be requested to submit a contingency plan in case trees fall in the near future, along with an advisory for various line departments, MMC and commercial establishments.
“The Traffic Police can be requested to submit a contingency plan in case trees fall in future along with an advisory for pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and four-wheeler drivers.”
Martins said copies of the GOACAN letter have been forwarded to various authorities in the State.
