Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: The Bombay High Court at Goa today made Calangute MLA Michael Lobo party to the Siolim-tree cutting matter after a video of the legislator stating that “Trees were cut on his instruction” was placed on record.
Before adjourning the matter to April 2, Court came down heavily on the Forest department directing them to produce on record the investigation conducted by them in the tree felling matter
During the hearing AG informed Court that none of the government agencies including PWD is involved in the tree cutting as there is no road widening project by PWD.
In response to a public interest petition (PIL) submitted by locals, the court ordered the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the issue, expressing grave concern over the careless felling of heritage trees.
The forest department and police were directed to exercise strict supervision over the area from the Siolim market junction to the Assagao-Badem junction by the court, which also granted a stay on additional tree cutting.
Concerned citizens filed the PIL, claiming that because the trees were not marked, the felling was done without the required permissions. According to reports, 35 trees have already been taken down, and over 100 more are predicted to suffer a similar fate.
The petitioners also drew attention to the lack of records or authorization from the activity’s contractors.
