I couldn't save the raintree

SUHAS SADEKAR, MARGAO | 10 May 2012 14:37 IST

Raintree being cut to pieces at Fatorda stadium road

I have had many sad days in my life , like everyone else. However, today was one of the saddest. The feeling of helplessness was immense.

A couple of days back the government took a decision to have a major afforestation drive under the CAMPA scheme which is a great initiative in itself.

In this back drop what happened here in front of my building, opposite Fatorday stadium in Margoa, is inexplicable to a common being like me.

A full blown Rain Tree was mercilessly cut down.

A Rain Tree which was at least 30 years old. It was cut down on the orders of the DC, I was told by the Jt. Mamlatdar Mr. Narvenkar who was in attendance, expecting Law and order problem, along with dozens of Policemen.

I was unable to ascertain why the Healthy Rain tree was being killed as it was in the corner of a shop wall and the stadium compound and there was no question of it coming in anyone’s or development’s way, moreover with the shops and houses outside the line of the tree there was no question of road widening.

I overheard that the tree was being cut to get rid of the matka operator who took bets under the tree.The original tree

Why was the tree being punished? That too while hardly tem meters away from where the police stood another matka operator, next to a panwala, was accepting bets whist this unholy operation was being carried out.

The operation was apparently also carried out whilst the review petition on the order by local councilor was pending.

Why this undue haste? Who is responsible? Even if it is proved that the order was based on wrong or tailored information what is the remedy?

A few of rain trees can be planted at the same place and in that line, cared for so that they survive stray cattle & ruthlessly selfish fools.

So what if I may not be able to see a similar full blown forty year old rain tree outside my balcony.

What came to my mind other than the feeling of helplessness was a quote by Scottish-American naturalist and preservationist ~John Muir “God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.”

 

 

 


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Previous Comments

It happens when uneducated people occupy high offices in government.Its sad that another tree is being cut and people in government offices dont understand the importance of trees.The people responsible for such an act needs to be punished.Not asking to cut their neck just like they murdered this tree but 2 yrs in jail would make other fools to think twice.

Brian

- Brian, USA | 10 th May 2012 22:09

 

I bleed inside whenever I find a tree being cut

- Kalidas Laxman, Panaji Goa | 10 th May 2012 18:19

 

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