Panjim, June 24: The High Court has directed the Goa government to formulate a comprehensive state policy for the translocation of trees, based on the recommendations of an expert committee appointed by the court.
The directive came while the court was hearing matters related to tree felling and environmental concerns arising from infrastructure development projects in the state.
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In a significant order concerning the Verna–Margao bypass road-widening project, the court permitted the felling of 60 trees but simultaneously instructed government authorities to undertake the translocation of 193 trees that fall within the project corridor.
According to the court’s directions, 120 young trees and 73 old trees located along the proposed route are to be carefully relocated instead of being cut down. The move is aimed at balancing developmental needs with environmental conservation and preserving as much green cover as possible.
The High Court emphasized the importance of adopting scientific methods for tree translocation and directed the state to develop a structured policy framework that can guide future infrastructure projects involving tree removal or relocation.
Environmental advocates have long called for a dedicated policy to ensure that tree translocation is carried out systematically and transparently, particularly in projects where mature trees can be preserved through relocation rather than felling.
The Verna–Margao bypass road-widening project is expected to improve traffic flow and connectivity in the region, while the court’s directions seek to minimize its environmental impact through the preservation and relocation of trees wherever feasible.
