HOPE & DECAY: WHAT THE REPORT SAYS
*The first banyan tree is not dead and is expected to survive, though growth will be slow in summer and improve during the monsoon
*The second banyan tree has rot at the trunk and most likely at the roots, making its survival unlikely
*One of the two Alstonia scholaris trees remains in a dormant or shock state but is not dead
*The second appears dormant but alive… water should not accumulate around it
*An unidentified tree is also in a dormant state and requires light watering
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PANAJI
Nearly a month after a private consultant flagged concerns over the translocation of four trees in Porvorim, a fresh report has revealed that while some trees remain in a shock state, they are not dead. However, one of the two translocated banyan trees is unlikely to survive.
Director of Landscape Designer and Ecological Consultant Parag Mody had earlier warned that the translocation was poorly executed with little regard for the trees’ survival.
His latest report has pointed to the precarious condition of the relocated trees and called for immediate corrective measures.
“The (first) banyan tree is not dead and is expected to survive, though growth will be slow in summer and improve during the monsoon. The (second) banyan tree, however, has rot at the base of the trunk and most likely at the roots, making its survival unlikely,” the report findings mention, copy of which is with The Goan.
Regarding the two Alstonia scholaris trees, the report observed that the first remains in a dormant or shock state but is not dead. The second tree appears dormant but alive, with a caution that water should not accumulate around it. An unidentified tree is also in a dormant state and requires light watering.
The earlier report had highlighted several issues with the translocation, including severe pruning, root-ball damage, poor site selection, flawed techniques and inadequate post-translocation care. Two trees were moved to a rice paddy area near a water body and the Consultant raised concerns over their survival.
The Banyan tree, located near a temple and yet to be moved, presented structural challenges. The report noted that the temple may have to be demolished for the translocation, and based on previous methods, concerns remain over the process.
For this Banyan tree, the Consultant stated that no nearby location is available for relocation. It will have to be severely pruned and transported in a horizontal position on a large flatbed truck.
“The tree will remain severely maimed for decades and its chances of returning to its original state are uncertain,” the report stated, adding that efforts will be made to replant its ancillary trunks as separate trees.
The consultant also stated that Site Location 2, the RRSM Site Office, is an acceptable relocation site for the banyan tree, as it ensures the required care. However, concerns persist over water-logging at the new site, which could lead to root rot during the monsoon.
To ensure the trees receive proper care beyond six months, RRSM has agreed to enter into an AMC contract with Doctor Trees. RRSM will provide daily care, apply medicine as needed, and facilitate periodic site visits.
“Doctor Trees should visit the site monthly to assess the trees' condition, with care extending for at least two years from the date of relocation,” the report stated.
