Summary:
They promised to save the Guirim coconut trees as part of our heritage,” said coordinator, Goa Green Brigade , Avertino Miranda.“We want the government to investigate the illegal cutting of the trees or we will be forced to come onto the streets,” he added. SALIGAO: Environmental activists are up in arms after authorities have started felling coconut trees along the Guirim-Socorro stretch of national highway 66 for expansion of the highway at Porvorim.Activists have also pointed out that Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai had protested against the cutting of coconut trees on the beautiful palm-lined stretch when they were in the opposition, but both are now part of the government as cabinet ministers and are nowhere on the scene to protect the trees.TOI observed that heaps of mud have been excavated and coconut trees have been chopped at the Guirim cross junction for undertaking the expansion work of the national highway using earthmoving machinery.Activists have threatened to launch a protest soon to remind all politicians, including Khaunte and Sardessai, who promised to protect the trees to stand by their promise.“We have been fooled by this government..