Unwanted controversy on declassification of coconut: Arlekar

Goa Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar today said the state government's decision to declassify coconut as a palm from its definition of a tree was being unnecessarily politicised.
"The controversy which is raised is intentionally mischievous. The intention to raise the unwanted controversy is political. It can't be anything else," Arlekar told PTI amid opposition from several quarters to the government's decision.
The state government had during the recent Assembly session amended the Goa, Daman, Diu Tree Preservation Act-1983 classifying coconut as a palm and not a tree.
Arlekar said the government's decision has been hailed by small farmers, who were earlier finding it difficult to replace the aging coconut trees with new ones.

"Coconut tree is not a forest species. It is planted as an economic activity by farmers in the state. Down the years, these trees have become economically inviable. Farmers want to replace these trees with the new trees which can yield better nuts," the minister said.
"I have received phone calls from several farmers who congratulated the state government for its decision. These farmers earlier were caught up in the process to get clearance to cut coconut trees. Now they are saved from taking several clearances," he said.

Arlekar said he would not mind listening to the demands of the people who were opposing the amendment.

"There are no positive suggestions coming up. If someone has a genuinely good suggestion, the state government is ready is listen to it," he said.
Notably, the opposition Congress and three independent legislators had staged a walkout during the Assembly session when the amendment was passed on the floor of the House.