While a group of activists today staged a protest on Panaji-Mapusa highway against reclassification of the coconut tree, Goa government said the move will not affect the coconut plantations.
"The protests are only by the activists. Common people are convinced by our stand. Some people are trying to get political mileage out of the issue," environment minister Rajendra Arlekar said here.
The Assembly will pass the amendment to 'Goa, Daman and Diu Tree Protection Act, 1983' (which will classify coconut as a palm and not a tree), he said.
It is feared that change in classification will make it easier to cut down a coconut tree to make way for constructions.
Congress government, in 2008, had put coconut under section 1 (A) of the act, classifying it as a tree.
"Now we are going to amend the act and put it under section 12 (A)," the minister said.
The amendment was meant to give relief to the poor people and not to help the builders, he said, adding "we are committed to protection of coconut plants in the state".
"If required we will bring in a legislation as in Kenya and Philippines to protect the coconut," Arlekar said.
As per the government data, there are 47 lakh coconut tress in Goa.
The opposition has claimed that the proposed amendment would lead to large-scale felling of coconut trees.
"On one hand BJP considers cow as holy and wants to protect it, on the other hand they are out to cut our traditional coconut trees," independent MLA Vijay Sardessai told reporters at the protest on Panaji-Mapusa highway.
The protesters were led by historian Prajal Sakhardande.
The agitators have also threatened a 'Chipko' kind of movement to save the coconut trees in the state.
