PANAJI
Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate (Babush) on Friday said he would direct both District Collectors to appoint nodal officers in their respective jurisdictions to handle the issue of dangerous trees including their removal on short notice.
The announcement made on the floor of the House came after legislators expressed concerns over the increase in tree felling incidents during the monsoon, some of which have resulted in fatalities this time. “I will ask the district collectors to review the situation in March,” Babush said.
MLA Digambar Kamat introduced the private members’ resolution urging the government to survey trees threatening residential buildings, government infrastructure and electric wires, and to enact fresh legislation for their removal in the public interest.
During the discussion, Vasco MLA Daji Salkar suggested starting the identification of hazardous trees by February-March to avoid last-minute actions.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas emphasised the widespread issue of falling trees during the monsoon. “There should be an empanelment of labourers and machine operators. The Collector should have the authority to identify and cut dangerous trees,” he said.
Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar urged to cut precarious trees before they fall completely while seeking powers to the concerned authorities.
