THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
The Goa Green Brigade has welcomed the stay granted by the Bombay High Court at Goa to protect the lone banyan tree that remains in the path of the proposed elevated corridor at Porvorim.
The environmental group has called on the State government to save the last of six rainforest trees by realigning the "unwanted" elevated corridor.
In a statement, the Goa Green Brigade emphasised the importance of preserving heritage trees, urging planners and road engineers to design roads and flyovers that work around these age-old trees, as has been done in other parts of the world.
"It is crucial that the government considers environmental preservation while planning infrastructure projects," the group said.
The Brigade also advocated for a comprehensive solution to the growing traffic congestion on highways and city roads.
They urged the government to promote mass passenger transportation, complemented by last-mile connectivity to city and village destinations, as a means to reduce dependence on private vehicles.
They also called for the mandatory inclusion of dedicated cycle lanes on highways and city roads, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce pollution.
The group raised concerns about the destruction of heritage and fruit trees along National Highway 66 in Porvorim, which they claim has led to a desert-like landscape.
"Goa is known for its greenery and rich biodiversity, which attract millions of tourists. Destroying these trees is equivalent to damaging the very foundation of Goa’s tourism industry," the Goa Green Brigade argued.
In a bid to resolve the issue, the Brigade has announced plans to meet with Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, during his upcoming visit to Goa next week.
They will urge him to reconsider the alignment of the elevated corridor in order to preserve the remaining banyan tree at Porvorim.
