Amid row in Goa over classification of coconut as "palm", Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today taunted the Opposition saying its planned protest rally on the issue should be launched from his house in Pernem taluka.
Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai had yesterday said that if the demanded change of re-classifying coconut as 'tree' was not made in the Goa Preservation of Trees (Amendment) Bill till February 21, the "anti-BJP" forces in the state will launch a "Maad Yatra" (coconut tree rally).
"They (Vijai and his supporters) should start their 'yatra' from my house in Pernem taluka, which is located in the coconut grove," Parsekar told reportes in Margao town.
He said his private residence in Pernem is located in coconut grove spread over 18,000 square metres. "The entire area around my house is settlement zone, but I have preferred to plant coconut trees," the Chief Minister said.
The BJP-led state government landed in a controversy after it passed amendment to Goa, Daman and Diu Tree Protection Act classifying coconut as a "palm" and not a "tree".
The Chief Minister said just like him, several farmers have to face difficulties in cutting coconut trees when the yield starts going down.
"The farmers face difficulties as they have to go through the tedious process of getting licence from the Forest Department," Parsekar said.
"The amendment to the Act will simplify the procedure and help these farmers who will like to replace the ageing Coconut tree with new sapling with better yield," he said.
The Chief Minister said he was ready for open debate on the amendment to the Act with those raising the issue against the government.
