CALANGUTE: The Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) has alleged that builders at Khobrawaddo, Calangute are once again making attempts to remove a 200-year-old banyan tree which had been replanted last July after it had been uprooted.
In a complaint filed on Friday to the Chief Secretary, Forest Department and other authorities, the CCF stated, “We are writing to you with great concern regarding the planned actions by the developers to damage our age-old replanted banyan tree in the name of development of building project in a property bearing survey nos 214/6, 214/6A of village Calangute at Khobravaddo, Calangute.”
The initiative of the developer initially to cut the roots of the tree and now cover the area of replanted banyan tree area with metal fencing not only jeopardizes the health of the tree but also disregards the sentiments of the community who hold it dear. This iconic symbol of our community holds immense cultural, historical, and environmental significance, and it would be a grave mistake to allow its destruction, the CCF stated.
“Instead of resorting to such drastic measures, I urge you to consider alternative solutions that prioritize the preservation of this natural treasure. There are numerous ways to protect the tree while still accommodating the needs of development. Consulting with environmental experts, implementing root barriers, and creating designated green spaces around the tree are just a few possibilities worth exploring,” CCF president Premanand Diukar said.
He also claimed that since the project was approved as per the ODP, the approvals should now be cancelled. “We urge the authorities to stop the development of said projects as per the directions given in the order passed by the Hon’ble High Court on PIL filed against ODP-2025. We further state that no occupancy certificate shall be issued to this project as our complaint stands against both projects by the developers. The said actions and work is a well-planned conspiracy by both the developers to kill the replanted age-old banyan tree,” the complaint states.
