Goa Cong opposes move to classify coconut tree as 'palm'

The Goa Congress today attacked the state government for its decision to classify coconut tree as a 'palm' saying it will make the tree vulnerable.
"The BJP-led government will make coconut tree vulnerable," Congress Goa spokesperson Yatish Naik told reporters today.
State government in its amendment to Goa Daman and Diu Preservation of Trees Act 1984 had classified Coconut as 'palm' and not as a tree.
State Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar had said Congress-led government has erroneously included Coconut plant as a "tree".
Naik demanded that the state government should recall its decision to reclassify the coconut plant.
Congress has said if government does not correct its decision, then it will have to mobilise support to start agitation.

"The party is in sync with the sentiments of people who are opposing this move. The coconut tree has been synonymous with the culture, cuisine and ethos of Goa.
"Hence it was in this context that the Trees Act 1984, had included the Coconut Tree within the definition of the term 'tree' under section 1-A of the Act to afford protection to the coconut tree," the spokesperson added.