NGT fines golf course promoter Rs 5 lakh for illegal tree felling

PANAJI: The National Green Tribunal has imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the promoters of an upcoming golf course in Goa's Pernem taluka for illegal felling of trees at the proposed project site.

The NGT yesterday ruled that the trees were felled by Leading Hotels Private Limited without permission.

State Environment Minister Alina Saldanha had informed the Legislative Assembly yesterday that the hotel group had illegally fell some trees and added that they were booked by Forest department.

NGO Green Foundation had approached the NGT against the promoters of the golf course project.

"The tribunal took the tree felling issue seriously and imposed the fine on Leading Hotels and one P Ravi, whose name has been featuring on the panchanama conducted by forest department," Goa Foundation's director Claud Alvares said.

The fine amount has to be deposited in an escrow account, a temporary account, till the final hearing in the case is completed.

The golf course project, coming up at Tirecol village, has been facing stiff opposition from locals and environmentalists.

Noisy scenes were yesterday witnessed in the Assembly after Opposition members alleged that trees were being illegally felled by the promoter of the golf course project and demanded formation of a House Committee to study the matter.