More than 500 trees cut, will write to TCP minister, says Lobo
A road is being constructed allegedly by shaving the hill and without any permission.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
A huge area of thick vegetation on a steep slope has been stripped and burnt while hill cutting has also been undertaken to construct a road by unknown persons at Ximer, Arpora.
Local panchayat members informed that the alleged illegal activity must have been going for the last 10 days but could not be noticed as the site is around 200 metres away from the main road.
The alleged illegal activity came to light after some locals noticed movement of JCBs in the area and informed the local ward member.
On Saturday, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo along with Arporal Sarpanch Roshan Redkar and some panchayat members visited the site to take stock of the situation. Forest officials were also present at the site.
Lobo alleged that someone has undertaken hill cutting in the area and also built a road. He said several trees were hacked to clear the place.
“This is a hilly area with dense tree cover. More than 500 trees have been cut and a road is being constructed without taking any permission. I will write to the TCP minister and the chief conservator of forest to take immediate action against those involved in the illegal act,” Lobo said.
He said the people who have carried out this environmental degradation should be imposed ordered to pay a hefty fine and must also be directed to restore the place.
“This is illegal and blatant destruction of the environment. We need to keep these hills and forests for posterity,” he said and urged the locals to be vigilant against such activity.
According to Arpora Sarpanch Roshan Redkar, the panchayat came to know about the activity only when some locals brought it to their notice.
“We don’t know if the zoning of the area has been changed. But even if they have done so, they should carry out activities through proper channels. They should take forest licence and the permission of the panchayat,” Redkar said.
Arpora Village Biodiversity Committee Chairperson Anna D’Mello also visited the spot and announced that she would write to the state biodiversity board about the destruction of thick vegetation in the area.
