the goan I network
VASCO
The stump of a large tree which uprooted outside the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) building during the Cyclone Kyarr over three months ago is yet to be cleared, prompting sharp reactions from people in the port town.
The Cyclone Kyarr was an extremely powerful tropical cyclone between October 24, 2019, and November 3, 2019, that became the first super cyclonic storm in the North Indian Ocean since Gonu in 2007.
A resident, Ramesh Dhuri, said the tree stump was an eyesore and occupied a sizeable portion of the footpath.
“The footpath was beautified and had nice benches and illumination. The tree uprooted and damaged the benches, besides spoiling the beautification. What is worse is that the tree stump is yet to be cleared and is an inconvenience to people,” said Dhuri.
Another resident, Thomas Fernandes, said it was shameful that a tree which had uprooted over three months ago was yet to be cleared.
“MMC Councillors move in and out of the MMC building, but no one has even noticed the tree stump. The MMC building has offices of the Dy Collector and Mamlatdar, while it is also the office for the MMC chairperson, councillors and MMC Chief Officer, but no one has acted on the removal of the tree stump.”
“While MMC preaches about clearing encroachments on footpaths, a tree stump is ironically right outside the main MMC building encroaching on a footpath,” said Fernandes.
Added another resident, Feroz Shaikh: “I wonder when the tree stump will be cleared. A new branch has already begun growing from the tree stump. The tree should have been cleared long ago. We have the Carnival and Shigmo fast approaching and this tree stump could pose a danger to people at these festivals. The tree stump must be cleared immediately.”
