Relocation of trees comes under scrutiny amid resistance from locals
MAPUSA
Development often comes at a price, and in some cases, that cost is the environment.
The construction of a six-lane elevated corridor, aimed at easing traffic congestion, has brought with it a sobering cost: the removal of 610 trees and translocation of six. Among these stands the iconic banyan tree at Vadakode, a symbol revered for its spiritual and cultural significance.
While three trees have already been relocated, the future of the banyan tree and another two has become a flashpoint of resistance.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa, responding to public interest litigation, has temporarily halted translocation of the trees, instructing the contractor to refrain from cutting or moving any trees pending further deliberation.
For locals, the banyan tree is far more than a piece of greenery – it is a living monument of heritage and faith.
Peaceful protests and petitions have rallied around this giant sentinel, urging authorities to explore alternatives.
Among the loudest voices is Kartik Kudnekar, the custodian of the Kapreshwar Devasthan in Porvorim and a Zilla Panchayat member. “We support the elevated corridor but insist the banyan tree should remain untouched,” Kudnekar said, highlighting the profound emotional and cultural ties the community has with the tree.
PWD’s assurance
Despite these protests, officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) have maintained that the tree’s relocation will be carried out with precision and care. The task has been entrusted to a specialised agency, Doctor Trees, known for employing advanced techniques to handle sensitive translocations.
According to PWD representatives, the banyan tree will be trimmed to facilitate the process, but measures will ensure its survival and health.
“We understand the importance of this tree to the local community. It’s not about destroying it but preserving it through professional relocation methods,” said a PWD spokesperson.
Environmental mitigation has been a key part of the project’s planning, according to Executive Engineer Jude Carvalho of PWD (National Highways). To offset the ecological impact, the department has pledged to plant three saplings for every tree felled. Carvalho cited the success of similar initiatives, such as the Mopa link road project, where over 51,000 saplings were planted after 5,300 trees were removed.
The department has also deposited Rs 98 lakh with the forest department as a security measure, promising to nurture the saplings for five years.
Critics question mitigation measures
Yet, critics argue that such measures cannot truly replace the ecological benefits provided by mature trees, particularly heritage species like the banyan and peepal.
These trees are not just flora; they are keystones of local ecosystems, supporting diverse wildlife, maintaining biodiversity, and helping to combat climate change.
While replanting initiatives are laudable, the environmental value of a centuries-old tree cannot be replicated overnight.
The debate over the banyan tree has brought a broader question into sharp focus: how can progress be pursued without compromising preservation?
The Porvorim corridor project underscores the delicate balance required to navigate such challenges. The choices made in this instance will set a precedent, reverberating far beyond Goa.
