Ponda, Oct 2: The Bandora Environment Protection Forum (BEPF) has sought urgent action over the alleged illegal felling of coastal mangrove trees in Survey No. 112/1 at Undir-Bandora in Ponda taluka, demanding registration of an FIR and restoration of the affected mangrove area.

In a joint petition-cum-complaint dated September 30, the Forum alleged that mangrove trees on the property were felled during the night of September 29. The complaint names three individuals in connection with the alleged incident and claims that the cutting was carried out through workers. The allegations have not been independently established.

The complaint has been submitted to the Chairman of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Chief Secretary, Deputy Collector of Ponda, Director General of Police, Ponda Police Inspector and Deputy Conservator of Forests. Copies of the complaint bear acknowledgement stamps from several authorities.

BEPF President Mukund K. Naik has contended that the alleged felling violates legal protections extended to mangroves and has called upon the authorities to immediately inspect the site and initiate action.

The Forum has also referred to an August 12, 2024 order of the Bombay High Court at Goa in PIL Writ Petition No. 39 of 2018 concerning mangrove and khazan areas at Merces. Citing the order, it has demanded restoration of the damaged area and replantation of mangroves at three times the number allegedly felled.

Photographs submitted with the complaint appear to show large trees or branches cut and lying in a waterlogged, densely vegetated area. The Forum has also enclosed Form I & XIV records for Survey No. 112/1, a survey plan, photographs of the alleged damage and copies of earlier complaints.

The Forum has urged the GCZMA, police, forest and revenue authorities to conduct an immediate site inspection, determine the extent of the alleged destruction and take action in accordance with law.

“Let natural ecology and environment prevail,” the Forum said in its representation.