“Is a plot of 900 coconut trees not a coconut orchard? Is it an industrial plot and can such rampant killing of coconut trees be allowed only in the name of employment creation? Director (Agriculture) may comment,” the minister said in a noting to the department.

About three years ago, over three lakh square meters of land was ‘notified’ for investment for a beer and whiskey factory in the village of Amdai–Uguem in South Goa. The project was cleared by Goa’s Investment Promotion Board despite the land being marked as “Orchard land.” The plant will be set up by Delhi-based Vani Agro Farms Limited, headed by its Director Vivek Jain. It is learnt that former Sanguem MLA was instrumental in bringing Vani Agro by initially making them to contribute a fund to a school and later facilitating to purchase land of 81/2-A from Anselmo and Sheryl Furtado, and 81/ 2 B from Joyee Furtado and Maurillo Furtado 100 meters from the Balwadi. Promises of a school and training institute for the locals were made but factory or industry was never on the discussion list.

With the new minister taking over, Sardesai is hell bent to ensure coconut trees are not chopped. He has sought a report from the Zonal Agricultural Office, under whose jurisdiction the plot falls, on the inspection details, number of trees on the plot, etc. it was then informed that 11 trees were found to be dead due to attack of bud rot disease and situation seems to be continuing besides there are approximately 10 coconut trees stumps that appeared to be cut in the last 2-3 years.

Sardesai, ever since in the Opposition during the previous stint of BJP has been demanding reclassification of coconut tree. While in the ruling as a coalition partner, Sardesai has clarified that his stand remains the same.

Team TNV