Panaji (Goa):Goa can now boast of two state trees with the State government notifying matti (Terminalia elliptica) and coconut tree (cocos nucifera) as State Trees.

“In exercise of powers conferred by section 7 A of the Goa, Daman and Diu Prevention of Trees Act 1984, the Government of Goa having regard to ecological, social economic, cultural or heritage value, hereby declares matti (Terminalia elliptica) and coconut tree (cocos nucifera) to be State Trees,” reads notification by Forest Department.

For more than a quarter century now, the matti, also known as the crocodile bark tree, has enjoyed the status of state tree of Goa. There were several reasons behind the government deciding on matti as the state tree as it is an indigenous forest tree and the government wanted to focus public attention on the ecological role played by the matti that has the capacity to store water for the dry season and whose bark is fire resistant.

In January 2016, the previous BJP-led coalition government amended the Goa, Daman and Diu Preservation of Trees Act 1984 and dropped the tree status given to the coconut. But this led to severe criticism with both the opposition and the public expressing fears for the safety of the tree.

In view of the public outcry, on August 4, 2016, the government issued a notification stating that farmers seeking to cut coconut palms for the purpose of either replanting or to raise a new plantation will mandatorily have to obtain a no-objection certificate.

Renowned environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar had said that coconut, being a cultivated species cannot be declared as State Tree but can be given necessary protection under the Tree Preservation Act.

Team TNV