Goa’s Siolim lights up in protest against tree cutting

As days pass, the candlelight becomes brighter, the expanse bigger and with MLA Delilah lobo opting to effectively play the role of the proverbial three monkeys – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil – the ire of a majority of residents of Siolim is on the verge of boiling over.

The cutting of century-old trees, close to the Siolim tinto, began in the first week of March and was followed by demolition of compound walls that got the locals asking questions. And soon, from 20 protestors on the first day, the number had crossed 100 on Sunday.

Since March 6, 2024, the residents of Siolim have been holding a candlelight vigil near a century-old chopped tree conveying their anguish, shock and shame at attempts being made to be “taken for a ride by Michael Lobo who is the husband of their MLA”.

“Who is he to come here and tell us what we need? We did not vote for him and what is his interest in our development, especially when we have not even been consulted?” questioned a fuming Brunell Fernandes.

Not one or two, but since March an umpteen number of old trees – many that had flowered for the mango season – are being destroyed and with the government authorities unable to provide legitimate answers, all fingers are pointing towards Michael Lobo and his intentions.

“This widening of the road is being done to benefit the builders lobby from out of Goa. Broader roads means bigger housing projects and destruction of our private forests,” argued Daniel Rodrigues who has been attending the candlelight protest from the beginning.

“When we asked our MLA, she raised her hands claiming the PWD knows what it is doing. When we go to the PWD, they are unable to show any approvals for the work. Only Michael can be seen roaming around trying to appease some of those directly affected,” said Lourdina, who skipped studying for her exams, to show solidarity with the cause.

As days pass and the authorities preferring to play wait and watch, patience appears to be thinning out with the glow of the lit candles causing tourist vehicles to pause as they pass by.

“Have a backbone if you understand what it is to be Goan, whether you were born here or not; whether you are from Goa or not and whether you are Indian or not,” said a vociferous protestor Aaron Fernandes.

“Michael has paid some people to build new walls or land has been encroached without land acquisition. Trees have been cut without permission from the Department of Forest,” claimed senior citizen Anthony D’Souza.

Since the start, the protest with lit candles has seen daily additions with posters attracting the attention of tourists who on being made aware of the cause extend solidarity by just standing along.

“People all over are resisting the destruction of the environment and it is sad this beautiful place is now paying the price. I have bought a place in Goa but a construction that involves a local,” said Prithi Shah, as he listened attentively.

Five days after the first protest, with the number of protestors at night increasing in bounds, ears that pretended not to hear have begun to prick.

“By planting 100 trees, we cannot give life to the one tree we killed. The idea is to grow 100 trees around one living tree,” says Oswald Pinto who thinks, the protest is the beginning to a beautiful end.