PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant refuted allegations of unnecessary tree felling stating the government is replanting uprooted ones. While launching the "Tree App" today, he further assured the replacement of dead trees in Panaji with the same species.
"We are not cutting trees unnecessarily. Those which are felled are being replanted. We plan to plant more trees in Panaji and create green tunnel roads to make the city cooler by reducing temperatures by two degrees.
The app has been developed by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Corporation.
The Corporation came under criticism for creating a reckless situation for several trees in Panaji as well as the controversial translocation of a Banyan tree in St Inez for its Smart City projects, which are yet to see the light of the day.
The IPSCDL now aims at planting over 1,004 saplings representing 56 diverse species.
IPSCDL Managing Director Sanjith Rodrigues said they will monitor these saplings for their health, growth and pruning once grown.
"We are also working with Auroville-based Tree Care for their expertise in managing trees,” he added.
