MAPUSA
Environmental activists and local residents have expressed disappointment over the decision of the High Court of Bombay at Goa to permit the translocation of a centuries-old banyan tree in Porvorim.
Calling it a major setback, they have announced plans to file a review petition or approach the Supreme Court in an effort to save the tree.
The activists, who have been campaigning against the tree’s relocation, argue that the elevated corridor project can be realigned slightly to preserve the tree. Coordinator of Goa Green Brigade Avertino Miranda questioned the effectiveness of tree translocation, citing the fate of five other trees that were previously moved.
“Those five trees are almost dead. This one is also going to meet the same fate. It’s as good as giving a death sentence to the tree. In the interest of the environment, we cannot remain silent. We have to be proactive and try to save it,” Miranda stated.
He pointed out that infrastructure projects have been realigned in the past to preserve key structures.
“If they can save Mall de Goa, why not save this centuries-old banyan tree?” he asked.
Zilla Panchayat member Kartik Kudnekar echoed these concerns and confirmed that legal options are being explored.
“We are working on a plan to appeal against the HC order. We expect to get relief in the matter,” Kudnekar said.
On Tuesday, the High Court permitted the tree’s translocation to facilitate the ongoing construction of a 5.1 km-long elevated corridor in Porvorim.
The court, however, emphasised that the process should be strictly monitored by officials.
Nearly 600 trees have already been either felled or translocated for the project.
Miranda clarified that the activists are not against development, but stressed the importance of environmentally responsible infrastructure planning.
“Roads, bridges and corridors should be built around trees, not by cutting them down,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the competence of those handling the translocation process.
“Tree translocation should be done by experts, not by someone called ‘Dr Trees’ who lacks expertise. They did not even come to Goa. The job was left to untrained labourers,” he alleged.
The activists remain firm in their stance and are determined to pursue legal avenues to prevent the translocation of the historic banyan tree.
