VASCO
Mormugao Dy Collector Dattaraj Dessai on Saturday has said that trees that are overgrown and pose a danger to life and property will be listed on priority basis by the associated department and agencies and a report will be prepared in a month's time.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Deputy Collector Dattaraj Dessai to address falling trees in Vasco city and Mormugao taluka. The meeting was convened after GOACAN had petitioned the Dy Collector for action on the repeated falling of trees that were causing loss to life and property.
Roland Martins Co-ordinator GOACAN gave a brief background of the 2019 incident, the recent tree falling in Vasco market and highlighted the need for all agencies to take preventive action to avoid loss of life and property. Martins elaborated on the need for consumer safety in public places and called for effective team work from all departments & agencies so as to avoid litigation and the resultant need for payment of compensation in cases that may arise in Mormugao Taluka.
Officials from the various departments and agencies shared their experiences in addressing the need for pruning of trees, getting clearance for tree cutting, the procedure of issuing show cause notices and the challenges faced by them during the recent cyclone.
It was the unanimous opinion that the Forest Department needs to play a major role in curbing tree falls by giving important information on the tree, its history, its growth pattern and health. It was decided that at the follow up meeting to be held by end October, all depts and agencies will identify their requirements in tackling tree falls and make specific recommendations which can be placed before the Collector & District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
The meeting was attended by Damdar Kaskar Chairperson MMC, Prasiddh P. Naik BDO, Francisco Mendes Sr. Fire Officer, Mahesh Kankonkar Assistant Agricultural Officer, Sanjeev Mhalsekar AE Electricity, Vincent DSouza AE PWD (NH), Valsala Viswambaran ADEI, Prajyoti U. Dessai LPSI Vasco PS, Dr. Sujata Kamath SDH Chicalim, Dr. Anuradha Suryawanshi MO UHC and Sunil Kavlekar of Lions Club of Vasco among others.
