Directs govt to probe into matter; Instructs forest dept, police to maintain strict vigil at site
MAPUSA
In a significant move, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has intervened to halt the wanton felling of trees along the Siolim-Marna road stretch for a road widening project.
The court, responding to a public interest petition (PIL) filed by local residents, expressed deep concern over the indiscriminate cutting of heritage trees and directed the government to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The court, presided over by Justice Mahesh Sonak and Justice Valmiki Menezes, granted a stay on further tree felling and instructed the forest department and police to maintain strict vigilance over the site from Siolim market junction up to Assagao-Badem junction.
The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for March 26.
The PIL was filed by concerned citizens who alleged that the felling of trees was undertaken without proper approvals, as the trees were not marked. It was reported that 35 trees had already been felled, with more than 100 expected to face a similar fate. Expressing anguish at the loss of century-old trees, the court made some stern observations and asked the government to get to the bottom of these “senseless cutting of trees”.
“How is it possible that 35 trees can be felled? What is the JE of the PWD in the area doing? It’s not one or two trees but 35 trees and you (government) have accepted the figure,” Justice Sonak said, in the open court.
“Look at these photographs. How could they cut these trees? The government says we don’t know and we have registered an offence. We are interested to know who has done all this,” the court further said.
The government, represented by its advocate, admitted to the felling of 35 trees and informed the court that a case had been registered against an individual for the act.
However, the court pressed for a deeper investigation to uncover all responsible parties.
In response to the petitioners’ concerns about the lack of information regarding the ongoing road widening works, the court directed the departments concerned to provide clarity on the matter.
The petitioners also highlighted the absence of documentation or permissions from contractors involved in the activity.
It may be recalled, local residents, led by green activist Avertino Miranda, took to the streets to protest against the tree felling, organizing candlelight vigils to raise awareness about the issue.
The court’s intervention marks a crucial step in safeguarding the environment and ensuring responsible development practices in the region.
