Nisha Gad

Mapusa (Goa): To protest against the widening of roads by chopping off the coconut trees, as many as hundred citizens from Guirim and surrounding areas took to the streets to oppose this move of the government.

Talking to team TNV, social activist Prajal Sakhardande said that, “We have started this ‘save coconut chipko movement’ as this is very important because coconut tree which is the identity of Goa is facing a threat from the government. Last year we had a similar protest which we did to stop this cutting down of coconut trees but it has been started again. All these beautiful coconut trees of Guirim which were planted in 1980s are going to be axed for widening of roads and all the citizens of Goa have come together to oppose this move of the government . On one side, government is talking conservation of trees and on the other side they want to chop off the greenery. Cutting of hills and destruction of greenery in the name of development will not be tolerated. The citizens will stay united and not allow the government to chop down this beautiful coconut avenue.”

“We have been protesting from 5 am in the morning. If government really wants to do something then they should install street lights on the road instead of cutting down the coconut trees for widening the road,” said one of the protestors.