PANAJI
In what could bring relief to roadside trees whose roots and bases are buried under mounds of concrete, the Goa Government is contemplating to impose a “no-concrete zone” buffer around trees. The State forest department is currently entrusted with the task to study the Delhi-model of de-concretization around trees for their healthy growth.
The government will soon be also issuing directions to the local authorities and the public works department to remove the existing concrete poured around roadside trees including those along the highways.
The move is following the National Green Tribunal (NGT) pan India order on May 21, 2025 to prevent damage to the root system of trees and ensure water percolation.
“The Chief Secretary, who is also the Chairman of the Tree Authority, is looking into the matter. The bases of most of the trees are covered with concrete or interlocking pavers that affect their health and there are also instances of tree fall,” a senior official told The Goan.
Official said that even before NGT directions, the Chief Secretary had asked the Forest Department to work on a proposal, suitable for Goa, based on Delhi-model, to have no-concrete zone.
The directions were issued, after it was observed that several trees, along the Miramar road, were uprooted, as they were infested with pests and diseases.
Official said that based on NGT directions, States like Delhi and Karnataka have already issued order stating that one-metre radius around the base of all trees by roadsides be left un-concretised and filled with soil, to facilitate percolation of water to the roots, to promote their health and survival.
The Delhi government has even removed the concrete surrounding the trees within one meter of the trees.
The NGT in an order to all the States and Union Territories, and State pollution control boards directed to ensure no concretisation around roadside trees. The NGT cited Uttar Pradesh’s 2018 guidelines on urban landscaping for others to use.
While disposing the case filed by two residents of Uttar Pradesh, the NGT said that adequate area should be kept non-concretised around trees to ensure healthy growth and survival for a longer period.
“We are issuing these directions pan India and a copy of this order shall be communicated to all the Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories and State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees for necessary action and compliance,” the NGT had added.
