MAPUSA
At least four banyan trees translocated to a new site in Guirim as part of the Porvorim elevated highway project are showing signs of rejuvenation, with new shoots and leaves emerging from their stems.
The trees, believed by locals to be over 100 years old, were moved to land belonging to the National Highway Authority near the temporary office of RRSM Infra, the project contractor.
The translocation followed public concerns over the felling of around 600 trees to make way for the 5.2-km six-lane elevated highway.
After negotiations, the number of trees to be cut was reduced, and the forest department approved the plan on the condition that at least six trees would be transplanted instead of being felled.
The responsibility for identifying a suitable relocation site was entrusted to the Public Works Department (PWD), which had requested local panchayats to suggest locations.
However, with no positive response from the local bodies, the PWD ultimately chose to replant the trees on National Highway land at Guirim.
PWD Executive Engineer Jude Carvalho confirmed that most of the translocated trees appear to be surviving.
“Only one banyan tree appears to be lifeless and may not survive, but others are all doing fine and showing signs of rejuvenation,” he stated.
The transplanted trees, which were heavily pruned during the process, have been planted at a relatively close distance of two to three metres from each other.
Despite the early signs of regrowth, environmentalists remain doubtful. Convenor of the Goa Green Brigade, Avertino Miranda cautioned against optimism.
“From my past experience, banyan trees rarely survive such translocations. Green shoots can appear initially, but that doesn’t mean the trees are alive in the long term,” he said.
He pointed to the example of a banyan tree translocated to Campal, which initially sprouted leaves but eventually withered away.
Miranda also criticised the manner in which the translocation was carried out.
“The last banyan tree near the Khapreswar Temple was cut into three parts and handled carelessly. The contractors lacked proper equipment and followed no standard procedures,” he alleged.
Further compounding the issue is the reportedly poor post-translocation care. The soil around the transplanted trees was observed to be dry, and environmentalists argue that inadequate watering and maintenance could jeopardise their survival.
While the PWD remains hopeful, conservationists continue to call for stricter adherence to protocols and better care of translocated trees.
