I would like to bring to the attention of the public and the authorities an incident that occurred at Kegdicotto, Cuncolim, near the Government School. The incident was reported by Freny Rodrigues on 9 July 2026. A jackfruit tree had fallen onto electric wires, creating a serious safety hazard for residents and road users. Fortunately, the road has now been cleared, the electric wire installation work has been completed, and normal conditions have been restored.
However, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred at this location. Similar situations have taken place at the same spot a few years ago, highlighting the need for preventive action rather than waiting for accidents to happen.
I urge fellow citizens to understand the importance of public safety and the risks posed by neglected trees near roads and electrical infrastructure. Such incidents can lead to property damage, traffic disruptions, and unnecessary expenditure of taxpayers’ money. They also place additional pressure on emergency services and government employees who have to respond to avoidable situations.
This issue is not limited to one location. Across Goa, many roads have trees that have become potential hazards due to overgrowth and lack of timely maintenance. I request the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) and the concerned government authorities to issue clear guidelines and an official circular directing property owners to regularly trim or remove dangerous trees within a specified period.
Strict action, including heavy fines, should be imposed on those who fail to comply. Authorities should also be empowered to immediately intervene and remove trees that pose a threat to public safety. A proactive and regulated approach will help prevent future incidents, protect citizens, reduce unnecessary government expenditure, and ensure safer roads across Goa. I request the concerned authorities to kindly take necessary action in the larger interest of public safety.
Carlos Barretto, Cuncolim
