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The tragic death of a 19-year-old girl in Panjim after a tree came crashing down on her spurred the authorities into action to identify dangerous trees in and around the capital city.
Soon after, the forest department said 16 trees had been identified for felling and 75 for trimming on the road stretch from Dona Paula Circle to Miramar Circle. Similarly, some 30 to 35 said-to-be at-risk trees have been identified on the D B Road, leading up to the Adil Shah Palace.
At this juncture, many questions come to mind. Did those who undertake this inspection drive have sound knowledge of evaluating the overall health of trees, including signs of disease, decay, or structural weakness? It doesn't appear so.
It looks like the expertise of those who went on this drive is restricted to knowing just the timber value of the trees and not how to keep them alive. So, how can one expect this tree assessment to be fair and scientifically driven?
It looks like the expertise of those who went on this drive is restricted to knowing just the timber value of the trees and not how to keep them alive.
For any tree assessment to be successfully carried out, it is important to understand the specific characteristics of different tree species. Also, assessing the condition of a tree's trunk, branches, and roots to identify potential weaknesses is paramount.
It was very important for the authorities to carry out the tree assessment as one never knows the damage caused by all the digging for Smart City works before the monsoon season. One must realise that we still have two more months of rainfall left.
The extensive digging for Smart City projects has undoubtedly altered the soil structure in many areas of Panjim, making it essential to evaluate soil strength before assessing tree health.
If the authorities concerned are not seized of these factors then any tree assessment could be considered inherently compromised, potentially leading to dangerous consequences.
In the face of development and the pursuit of concretised beautification, trees are not only overlooked but also undervalued. This is particularly the case of Panjim, where it took a tragic loss of life for the issue to gain prominence.
In the face of development and the pursuit of concretised beautification, trees are not only overlooked but also undervalued.
Also, Panjim has no unified authority for tree management. Authorities like the Public Works Division and Electricity Department have tree inhouse experts which is only compounding the problem for the trees. These departments have their own machinery and men to take care of trees that obstruct their work.
The tree management in Panjim paints a very disturbing picture and needs a scientific approach - which is woefully lacking or missing. The combination of improper pruning, damage to root system, and inadequately qualified personnel is a recipe for disaster.
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has acquired all the necessary equipment for proper trimming of trees, but, unfortunately, it does not have any qualified person to guide the pruning and the same is left to the workers and the supervisor.
It is high time CCP starts identifying hazardous trees that pose a risk to public safety. This can happen by developing a plan for strategic approach to tree maintenance and preservation. The corporation needs to use tree data to guide future development and infrastructure projects.
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has acquired all the necessary equipment for proper trimming of trees, but, unfortunately, it does not have any qualified person to guide the pruning.
Such tree data is naturally available with the corporation. If one recalls, in 2015-16, the Botanical Society of Goa in association with the CCP had conducted a survey of all the trees on all the roads and parks of the CCP and that report is available with the latter.
The existence of this comprehensive tree survey is a valuable resource. This data can serve as a solid foundation for further tree management efforts. Based on this survey, the CCP can conduct follow-up assessments by taking into account changes in the tree population since 2015-16.
Sadly, the Biodiversity Management Committee of the CCP exists merely on paper. It was formed between 2015 and 2017, when Sidharth Kuncalienkar was the MLA of Panjim. A non-functional BMC is a missed opportunity for the city to effectively manage its green spaces and biodiversity.
It is time for the CCP to reinvigorate the BMC and have committed members who will establish clear guidelines for managing the capital city's green cover. Also, this committee will have to involve local residents and stakeholders in the BMC's activities to foster a sense of ownership.
Sadly, the Biodiversity Management Committee of the CCP exists merely on paper.
Panjim and the CCP bear a solemn obligation to take all necessary measures to prevent any future tragedies akin to the unfortunate incident involving the 19-year-old teenager from Betim.
The hope that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for positive change is a sentiment shared by many. It is crucial for the elected representatives of the CPP to actively strive towards the improvement of the city. Or else the soul of the 19-year-old, who lost her life in vain, will receive no solace.