It is learnt that 31 century-old trees are set to be cut down at Chimbel. The locals have reportedly petitioned the Director of the Institute of Public Assistance (Provedoria) with a plea to stop
the felling of the trees. Ironically the trees are to be felled to make way for a new old-age home. Trees are our treasures and need to be conserved. People from the village have an emotional attachment to these trees. The authorities concerned need to make alternative arrangements so these trees will not have to be cut down. It is understood that the present old-age home is not in use due to its dilapidated condition. Hence the logical step would be to set up the proposed new old-age by demolishing the existing old structure which is unsafe. That way not a single tree will have to be felled. The entire project needs to be reviewed in order to save the trees. It is beyond comprehension as to why the old building, which is not in a safe condition, is to be retained and a new old-age building built by cutting the trees. It takes several decades for trees to grow but a few hours to cut these down. Development should not be at the cost of nature.
