The Goa Government’s decision to de-recognise the majestic coconut tree, one of the most common photographic features in a tourists’ postcard from Goa, as a tree has triggered controversy in the State.
The Opposition as well as civil society has accused the BJP-led coalition Government in Goa of amending the Goa Daman and Diu Preservation of Trees Act 1984 and dropping the tree status accorded to the coconut palm in order to unfairly hasten real estate and industrial development at the cost of environment. On the other hand, a spokesperson for the Government has insisted that the decision to include coconut palms in the list of trees by a prior administration was a mistake in the first place.
“This decision to deny the status of a tree to the coconut, which is revered in Goa for its utility values, makes it vulnerable to cut, because one would no longer need a licence to chop the coconut tree. This decision has been taken hurriedly to facilitate industries and real estate development by clearing forest plantations,” says Independent Opposition MlA Vijai Sardesai.
Over 25,000 hectares in Goa is covered by coconut plantations which give an annual yield of over a million coconuts. The picturesque coconut palm, which is well-chronicled in regional fables and phrases, is regarded as one of the most important trees in the State, thanks to its multiple utilities.
Apart from the aesthetic edge, it gives to the landscape of this tourism-oriented tropical State the meat of its fruit, the coconut is used to lend body to Goan fish and meat curries. Coconut sap toddy is a popular brew when fresh, but when fermented it is used in cooking preparations, and once distilled it transforms into a potent alcoholic brew called coconut feni. The hollowed coconut shell is still used as a ladle to scoop rice and curries from pot in many homes.
The wood from the main trunk of the tree plays an essential role in building of roofs in Goan homes, while the palm fronds are woven together and used for protection against torrential rain.
Goa’s Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar, acknowledged the importance of coconut trees in Goa, but added that even botanically the coconut palm does not fit the definition of a tree.
“I am sure Goans will never cut the coconut palm because of the love they have for it. But it was included as a tree by an error by the Government (a former Congress-led coalition Government) in 2008. We are correcting the anomaly in the Act,” Arlekar told The Pioneer, while rejecting allegations
made by the Opposition that the change was made with ulterior motives.
Meanwhile, the Congress too slammed the Goa Government for de-recognition of the coconut palm as a tree.
“The coconut tree is an important component of the unique Goan identity and demography. The coconut tree is held dear by Goans and held in high esteem and respect among all communities of Goa for various reasons,” claimed Congress spokesperson Yatish Naik, adding that the tree was synonymous with Goa’s culture, cuisine and ethos.
“The decision of the BJP-led State Government of removing the coconut tree from the purview of ‘tree’ under the said Act will make the coconut tree vulnerable and could result in a demographic catastrophe for Goa and could also have a far reaching detrimental effects to the unique identity of Goa,” Naik said.