GOING GREEN: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo distributes saplings to constituents on Friday, highlighting the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Facing mounting criticism and public outrage over the felling of trees for road widening projects in the coastal belt, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Friday defended the action, insisting that the trees were not cut for personal gain but in the interest of public infrastructure development.
Lobo, who has been under fire particularly in Siolim and Calangute where several trees – some reportedly over a century old – were cut down, claimed the initiative was aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving road safety.
The public backlash escalated after locals dragged the Public Works Department (PWD) to the High Court over the cutting of trees in Siolim, accusing authorities of causing irreversible environmental damage.
“There are allegations everywhere that we are cutting trees,” Lobo admitted while distributing saplings in the Calangute constituency.
“But I want to clarify that I am not cutting trees for myself or for any personal benefit. Wherever trees have been cut, it has been done with proper permission and only to build better roads for the people,” he said.
Acknowledging that police complaints had been filed against him and some local panchayats, Lobo alleged that attempts were being made to implicate him despite the development being carried out for the public.
“When good work is being done, such things happen. We are committed to protecting the environment and planting trees. There needs to be a balance. If one tree is cut, we need to plant 20 to 25 trees in its place.”
The MLA assured that no healthy or structurally sound trees would be removed.
“Only trees that are old and bending will be cut after obtaining the necessary permissions. Healthy trees will not be touched. Those located in the middle of the road will be preserved by shifting them into the road divider,” he said.
Lobo’s comments come in the wake of widespread criticism, particularly after several residents raised concerns over indiscriminate tree cutting, claiming the actions went against the environmental interests of the region and were taken without sufficient public consultation.
Seeking to counter the negative perception, Lobo unveiled plans to green the roadsides of Calangute and surrounding areas.
He said the main stretch from St Alex Church to Saligao has already been widened and the local panchayat, led by Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira, has passed a resolution to plant coconut trees along the route.
“We will plant tall-growing coconut trees native to Calangute and not the shorter ones from Kerala,” Lobo said, emphasising the importance of preserving the aesthetic and ecological character of the region.
He added that similar tree-planting drives will be undertaken in Arpora-Nagoa and Parra after road and footpath development is complete.
