VALPOI
A number of trees are yet to be pruned as part of pre-monsoon works in Sattari and there are concerns that these trees could threaten lives and property in the taluka.Speaking to The Goan, many residents pointed out that uprooting of trees is a common occurrence during monsoons in Sattari taluka, causing damage to property, disruption in traffic, power outages and other such problems.
This also puts added pressure on the fire services, police and other agencies.
Locals have claimed that the disaster management agency in Sattari should have pruned trees well in advance as part of pre-monsoon works.
“There are only a few days left for the monsoons and authorities should have pruned the trees by now, but nothing has happened so far,” complained a resident.
When contacted, Valpoi Electricity Assistant Engineer Deepak Gawas said a proposal is sent to the electricity department before trees are pruned.
“Power supply is then switched off for this task. So far, we have not received any such proposal,” said Gawas.
Sources said the disaster management should have surveyed all trees posing a danger of uprooting and collapsing houses in Sattari taluka, but no such survey has been conducted so far.
“A meeting of the Sattari Taluka Disaster Management was convened last fortnight. However, departments concerned are yet to take action in the matter,” said the source.
With trees yet to be pruned ahead of the monsoons, residents fear several trees could come down crashing on houses, roads and electricity wires during heavy rains and strong winds.
