MAPUSA: Strong public outrage has erupted in Bardez following the alleged illegal felling of two heritage trees, each over 200 years old, along the Siolim-Assagao road, reportedly in violation of a High Court stay order.
A candlelight protest was held on Monday evening at Soro Junction, where concerned citizens, environmental activists and local residents gathered at 7.30 pm to highlight the need to preserve Goa’s natural heritage and demand action against those responsible.
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Organised by the Siolim Community Group and supported by the Goa Green Brigade, the demonstration saw participants holding candles and placards, voicing concern over the repeated loss of green cover and the apparent disregard for legal protections.
Speakers stressed that such acts not only violate court directives but also threaten Goa’s ecological balance and cultural identity. They called for accountability, stricter enforcement of environmental laws and immediate measures to prevent further destruction.
Locals expressed anger that despite a High Court stay order, the trees were felled, raising serious questions about implementation and monitoring by authorities.
The protest concluded with a collective appeal to protect Goa’s dwindling natural assets, with participants asserting that ‘Goa is worth preserving’ and urging the government to take decisive action to safeguard its heritage trees.
