-- Samir Umarye The emergency control cell in Bicholim, set up under the guidance of Mahadev Arondekar, has identified around 423 dangerous trees in Bicholim and Sattari talukas. The pruning and chopping of such weak trees have been taken up to avoid any untoward incident with the monsoon being round the corner.
However, activists from the area have expressed apprehensions over the decision taken by deputy collector as they fear that cutting of weak trees will be an environmental loss. Deputy collector had set up the emergency cell on May 15 and the first meeting of the cell was held thereafter. During the meeting, around 423 trees including 198 from Bicholim and 225 from Sattari talukas were identified. Accordingly, the work has been taken up under the supervision of Bicholim fire station officer Atchut Dhawaskar. However, environmentalists feel that only those trees that are in extremely-dangerous condition should be cut. Rajendra Kerkar stated that it is easy to cut a tree but the question is who will plant another tree in its place. “It is therefore necessary to do a proper study on all aspects,” he said. He pointed out that contractors and civic officials undertake such work in a hurry but as far as tree plantation is concerned nobody is bothered. President of animal rescue squad Amrutsingh said existence of trees is as important as existence of humans. “This is because the trees are instrumental in keeping the air clean,” he said. Meanwhile, when contacted, deputy collector Mahadev Arondekar said that he has directed his team only to cut dangerous trees and to avoid those which are not so precarious. “I have instructed the authorities not to cut all trees but only, if needed, dangerous trees that pose a threat to human life,” said deputy collector, while speaking to this daily.[NT]