Goa, Oct. 18 -- Tension erupted in Surla Panchayat after the Deputy Collector of Bicholim allegedly halted a scheduled inspection into the illegal felling of trees, triggering strong protests among villagers and members of the local biodiversity committee. The inspection, which was to be conducted by the Panchayat authorities, was reportedly halted on the collector's orders, with him assuring that his office would handle the matter directly.

Residents, however, expressed outrage over the decision, viewing it as interference in Panchayat-level accountability. The Surla Biodiversity Management Committee, supported by local residents, had earlier raised concerns about rampant tree cutting in nearby areas and formally demanded a Panchayat-le...