PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday directed the State government to formulate a comprehensive policy for the translocation of trees based on recommendations submitted by a court-appointed expert committee.
The order came while the court considered issues arising from the Cortalim-Margao stretch of the NH-66 road-widening project. While permitting the felling of 60 trees required for the project, the court directed authorities to translocate 193 others that fall within the project corridor.
It stated that 120 young trees and 73 old trees along the proposed route are to be relocated using scientific methods instead of being cut down. The court also stressed that translocation should be prioritised wherever feasible to preserve green cover while allowing public infrastructure projects to proceed.
The High Court observed that Goa requires a structured framework to guide decisions on tree relocation and directed the government to develop a state-wide policy incorporating the recommendations of the expert committee appointed by the court.
The policy is expected to lay down scientific standards and procedures for identifying, relocating and monitoring trees affected by development projects, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the process.
During the hearing last week, the court stayed the felling of the remaining 80 trees and the proposed translocation of 55 others along the stretch, while questioning the basis on which permission was granted to cut 422 trees for the highway widening project.
The Bench also found prima facie non-compliance with directions issued in its October 2025 judgment, which required authorities to critically examine whether trees could be saved from felling, whether translocation was possible, and to clearly specify replantation and translocation plans, including locations, species and timelines. The Tree Officer’s order, the court noted, did not contain these details.
The High Court then constituted a three-member expert committee comprising Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Ramesh Kumar, Goa State Biodiversity Board Member Secretary Dr Pradeep Sarmokadam, and ICAR-CCARI Senior Scientist (AgroForestry) Dr Uttappa A R, to assess the situation.
The committee was directed to inspect the 80 standing trees, the 55 proposed for relocation, and the alternative sites identified for replantation and translocation. It must submit its report and recommendations by June 24.
Pending the committee’s findings, the High Court ordered the PWD to maintain the status quo at the site, effectively halting any further felling of the remaining 80 trees and preventing movement of the 55 trees earmarked for relocation.
