Goa MLA Michael Lobo Revises Road Plan to Protect Heritage Trees After Public Outcry
In a significant development, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has announced a revised plan for the Calangute-Mapusa road stretch, pledging to protect most existing heritage trees. This decision comes after fierce opposition from locals and environmentalists who protested the initial proposal to cut numerous trees for road development.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), chaired by MLA Lobo, drafted a plan to widen the road from St Alex church to Bhodkovodh junction, including the addition of parking bays. This plan involved cutting many heritage trees, sparking immediate backlash from the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF), the village panchayat biodiversity management committee (BMC), and other activists.
Despite the opposition, the project proceeded in the public interest, leading to the cutting of several trees in the first phase. However, locals were dismayed to find that the cleared areas were quickly occupied by illegal vendors, sellers, and unauthorized parking, rather than easing traffic flow as intended.
Public and Environmentalist Response
In January, Benedict Lobo, chairman of the BMC, wrote a letter to MLA Lobo highlighting the exploitation of the cleared spaces. He stated, "To facilitate infrastructure development and manage overcrowding, a significant number of trees were sacrificed for road widening. However, it is observed that instead of easing traffic flow, the cleared areas are being exploited for illegal parking." He emphasized that unauthorized activities were benefiting a few individuals at the cost of the environment and public utility, urging immediate action to clear encroachments.
The BMC, CCF, and village panchayat insisted on modifying the plan for the second phase to minimize tree cutting. This pressure led the GSIDC to redraw the plan, aiming to avoid tree removal as much as possible.
Recent Developments and Clarifications
Last week, rumors spread that the remaining trees were being cut, prompting environmentalists, including Claude Alvares, to rush to the site. Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira clarified that the village panchayat was not involved in any tree-cutting activities.
Addressing the media, MLA Lobo announced that most heritage trees will now be protected, with only two or three damaged trees to be removed for safety reasons. He also claimed that around 150 new trees will be planted to compensate for those cut earlier, aiming to balance development with environmental conservation.
Implications and Future Steps
This revision marks a victory for environmental activists and local residents who advocated for preserving Goa's natural heritage. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and environmental protection in the region. Moving forward, stakeholders will monitor the implementation to ensure that the cleared areas are used for their intended purpose and that new plantings are carried out effectively.
