Panaji: The Tiswadi range forest office has booked the manager of a society of a building in Patto after environmental activists raised an alarm over the cutting of 16 trees on Friday.“These were wild badam trees, and the society contends that fruits and branches were falling on vehicles and posing a danger to residents. However, the trees were not completely felled, they were pollarded, with the top portions cut while the tree trunks were retained. We are investigating the matter,” a forest official told TOI.Avertino Miranda, convenor of the Goa Green Brigade, said that following the confrontation, the society has agreed to plant 80 – five for each tree cut -indigenous trees to make up for the loss.“The trees will be planted beyond the society’s limited compound area, particularly in places within the broader Patto area where trees have fallen or gaps exist. The plantation will be initiated after suitable sites are identified and pits prepared. Volunteers will assist with preparing the pits, adding manure and planting and maintaining the saplings,” he said.As a symbolic beginning to the conservation effort, two indigenous fruit trees—a kokum and a mango—were planted at the society premises.Apart from compensatory plantation, Miranda said the immediate focus would be on reviving the trees that remain at the site by covering the exposed areas around the trees without damaging their trunks and providing manure to improve their condition and help them recover.The Goa Green Brigade is expected to mobilise volunteers for the larger plantation exercise as they had successfully conducted a similar drive in Parra.
