MAPUSA
Stating that the real estate developer has “tactfully” and “intentionally” brought down the banyan tree at Khobravaddo, Calangute, local MLA Michael Lobo called for replanting of the tree at the same spot.
Lobo also said the Calangute panchayat should issue a stop-work order to the builder and a letter should be sent to the Town and Country Department (TCP) to revoke the licence for the project.
“I will extend my full support for replanting of the banyan tree. The panchayat should take a resolution to replant the tree. We will come with full police protection and ensure that the tree is replanted,” Lobo said.
The Calangute MLA along with local panchayat member Sapnesh Vaigankar and some villagers inspected the site after four days of the incident.
The 200-year-old banyan tree which is on the boundary of two construction sites at Khobravaddo, Calangute got uprooted on Sunday evening.
Interestingly, one of the builders approached the deputy collector Mapusa and obtained a favourable order to cut the fallen tree on Monday.
“Both the builders have come together and put a false complaint before the deputy collector to strike a compromise formula to get rid of the tree,” the Calangut MLA said.
He said there were a lot of illegalities carried out by the builder on ground zero and a letter has to be written to the TCP to revoke his licence.
“The licence is not given by the present panchayat or the earlier panchayat. It was given when there was an administrator at the helm. Therefore, there is a need to stop the project. I will write to the TCP,” he said.
