the goan I network
OLD GOA
Setting fire seems to have become the latest trend in Chimbel to destroy greenery in areas likely to be taken up for development.
After two fire incidents in a private property where the Chimbel manch had pointed to cutting of trees without forest department permission, another incident of fire was brought to light and this time it was a portion of the area where IT Park is proposed.
Speaking to The Goan, Chimbel Manch Secretary Tukaram Kunkolkar raised suspicion of the act being the handiwork of those supporting the setting up of the IT Park.
“An attempt is being made to show this land as barren land and putting fire to destroy the trees was an attempt in this direction,” Kunkolkar added, while further pointing out that the fire was put at four different places, which only goes to show that it was a deliberate attempt.
“Luckily, the wind was not strong, due to which the fire got contained to only a certain portion of the land. Otherwise, the entire area earmarked for IT Park would have been reduced to ashes,” Kunkolkar opined and raised apprehension that fresh attempts would be made to burn the forest cover.
