NT Reporter
Margao
While the message on World Environment Day largely revolving around planting trees, the village panchayat of Chinchinim-Deussua has called
for the protection of decade old trees along the NH66 that are being cut down
to make way for the highway expansion.
The panchayat,
headed by sarpanch Frank Viegas, in a letter to the Forest Department, said, “The village panchayat of Chinchinim-Deussua welcomes the government of Goa’s green initiative to plant saplings alongside NH66 as part of its commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development. However, while appreciating this initiative, the panchayat has strongly written to the Forest Department and authorities concerned to take all necessary measures to protect the decades-old trees with around 2000 proposed to be felled for the expansion of NH66 from Navelim Belem Junction via Dandeavaddo, Chinchinim to Uskini band.”
The residents of Dandeavaddo have, for several decades, been demanding a bypass solution to address traffic congestion and safety concerns.
The panchayat reiterated the long-standing demand of the local community for a bypass on stilts, which would significantly reduce the need for tree felling while achieving the intended infrastructure objectives.
“These mature trees form an important part of the local ecosystem, providing environmental, ecological, and social benefits that cannot be immediately replaced by newly planted saplings. Preservation of existing green cover should remain a priority while undertaking developmental projects,” said Viegas.
