MAPUSA
Margao MLA Digambar Naik raised concerns in the Goa Legislative Assembly about residents who plant mango or coconut trees around their homes and later seek MLA’s assistance when these trees fall.
Naik emphasized the need for increased public awareness and accountability regarding tree maintenance on private property.
"For 25 years, the owners enjoy the mangoes or tender coconuts. But when the mango or coconut tree falls, the owners call up the MLA asking him to cut and take it away. What law is this?" Naik questioned during the House session, highlighting the recurring issue faced by legislators.
Naik urged the government to educate the public about their responsibilities. "The government should make the public aware that if anyone plants trees within their compound, it is their responsibility to cut and dispose of them," he stated.
He also suggested that the government should empanel professional tree cutters to handle such situations without incurring costs to the government.
"Can the government come out with some regulation where the owner of the house or bungalow who plants trees is also held accountable for the trees?" Naik asked, proposing a new regulation to ensure property owners take responsibility for their trees.
The proposal aims to reduce the burden on government resources and ensure that property owners manage the trees they plant.
