Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SR)
Panaji, Nov 2: The owner of a private forest at Bairo Alto in Assagao has agreed to replant 1,500 sqm private forest that he cleared off without taking permission from the forest department. The decision from the owner came after the forest department officials visited the site on Thursday.
The forest officials said that the owner 'destroyed evidence of the illegal cutting', but has now agreed to restore the land. The officials found that the private property bearing survey numbers 128/9 and 128/10 has been 'cleared with the help of machinery' by the owners of the land.
"He has agreed to replant the trees he cut and pay the penalty under the Preservation of Trees Act, 1984, for cutting and destroying evidence of illegal cutting of trees," range forest officer, Panaji, John Fernandes said, as quoted by TOI.