Most of the trees in the parking area in Xlendi are being uprooted this morning, leading to several protests on the social media.

The operation is being carried out by the Ministry of Gozo, and all relevant permits have been issued, according to the Planning Authority website.

But this did not stop people from expressing their disapproval on the social media, with many saying that the government has not learnt its lesson on the way people think about removal of trees.

The government has been under fire for several months for its excessive tree-pruning and tree-removal policy.

The Malta Independent is informed that there were many bird nests in the trees and they were removed.

Gozitans using the social media are requesting information from the mayor of Munxar, who is also responsible for Xlendi, and the Gozo Ministry.

According to the permit, 24 of the trees are to be uprooted and replanted elsewhere, while another two will be removed completely.

Changes to the existing parking layout include the relocation of bus stop, changes to paved areas and soil areas, removal and addition of trees, and installation of bicycle racks.

In comments to The Malta Independent, the Gozo Ministry said the pruning of the trees is being carried out under the strict supervision of ELC personnel after obtaining the necessary permits from the competent Authorities.

The 11 of the 18 of Ficus Nitida present at the Xlendi parking will be pruned to facilitate the establishment of the new roots after replanting as part of the regeneration of Pjazza Anfori which forms part of the Xlendi masterplan project.

It has to be noted that these trees will be replanted around the same parking, the ministry said.

Moreover, the regeneration of the Pjazza Anfori includes the addition of other trees (19 cypresses trees) around the perimeter of the parking. Pruning is being done during this time of the year to facilitate the re-establishment of the trees during the cooler periods of the year.