Kudos to GBA and SOS, Audhut Naik, Miguel Braganza, Dr Claude Alvares and
others who are standing up to DLF and other such mega-projects.
Shame on our Goan Politicians and their hench-men!
Case booked against DLF for excess felling of trees’
PANJIM, DEC 2
Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) and Save Our Slopes (SOS) on Wednesday stated that a
case has been booked against DLF by the Forest Department for excess cutting of
trees at their Dabolim site.
This was informed by Chief Conservator of Forest Dr Sashi Kumar to a delegation
of GBA, SOS and Goa Foundation when they called on him to find out the status
of the complaint lodged by Goa Bachao Abhiyan as regards the tree felling,
despite the expiry of permissions granted.
Dr Sashi Kumar informed the delegation that forest guards were sent by the
Deputy Conservator of Forest Mr Shambu and an on site inspection of trees was
done. Excess felling of trees was reported during the site inspection based on
which the case has been booked and an enquiry is on.
The delegation consisted of convenor of SOS Audhut Naik, Convenor of GBA Dr
Sabina Martins, Director of Goa Foundation Dr Claude Alvares, GBA joint
Secretary Miguel Braganza, Swati Naik and Ramkrishna Jhalmi.
The delegation complained that felling of trees continued even after the visit
from the forest department and urged the Conservator of Forest to take steps to
stop further felling.
The Conservator of Forest acted promptly and directed the Deputy Conservator Mr
Shambu to once again do an on onsite inspection along with the complainants.
Accordingly, Dr Claude Alvares, Audhut Naik, Miguel Braganza accompanied the Dy
Conservator of Forests for onsite inspection on December 1.
The DLF-Saravati builders had applied for permission to cut 47 trees and 45
trees separately. On inspection of the site, the remaining trees in the
demarcated areas could not be identified as the area was clear felled, a press
note issued here by GBA and SOS said. An enquiry by the forest department is on
and the report is awaited.
The Conservator of Forests has assured that no further permissions will be
given to cut trees in the area.
In the meantime, GBA has sought an appointment with the Chief Town Planner on
Friday on the issue of illegal hill cutting permission and other lapses
relating to the DLF project.
_________________________________________________________________
Keep your friends updated—even when you’re not signed in.
http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/see-it-in-action/social-network-basics.aspx?ocid=PID23461::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-xm:SI_SB_5:092010
