In a poignant turn of events, the Casuarina trees originally planted by Goa’s first Chief Minister, Dayanand Bandodkar, are being cut down as part of the renovation of his Samadhi at Miramar Beach. Bandodkar, who served as the Chief Minister from 1963 until his death in 1973, had envisioned planting these trees along the entire coastline of Goa, from Keri Beach in the north to Galgibaga Beach in the south. His goal was to combat sand erosion and protect the coastline from further degradation.
The Casuarina trees have long stood as symbols of Bandodkar's foresight and commitment to preserving Goa's natural landscape. Their thick canopies provided much-needed shade and a scenic backdrop to the Samadhi, a place of reverence for the late leader. Ironically, these same trees are now being felled during the very process intended to honor his legacy.
This situation raises concerns about the preservation of Goa’s natural environment and the broader issue of balancing development with ecological conservation. The decision to cut these trees, which were meant to safeguard the coastline, highlights the contradictions between development and environmental preservation. The act has sparked discussions on the importance of protecting such symbols of historical and ecological significance.
Renovation work at Bhausaheb Bandodkar's Samadhi in Miramar, funded by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), is currently underway at an estimated cost of ₹9.48 crore. The project aims to enhance the historical monument, but concerns have arisen due to the cutting down of several trees as part of the work.
As a result of the ongoing renovation, the traditional Birth Anniversary of Bhausaheb Bandodkar, celebrated annually at the Samadhi, will be relocated this year. The event will be observed on March 12, 2025, at the Secretariat Complex in Porvorim, instead of its usual location at Miramar. The decision was made to ensure the safety and convenience of attendees, as the site is under construction.
The ceremony will honor the legacy of Bhausaheb Bandodkar, the first Chief Minister of Goa, who played a pivotal role in the state's political and social landscape.