Team Herald
PANJIM: A scathing report submitted to the High Court of Bombay at Goa has raised serious concerns over the translocation process of five rainforest trees in Porvorim, accusing the Hyderabad-based contractor, Doctor Trees, of mishandling the project with little regard for the trees’ survival. The petitioner, Aaron Victor E Fernandes, has called for immediate corrective measures to address these shortcomings and to ensure that future tree translocations adhere to best practices.
The report, prepared by landscape designer and ecological consultant Parag Mody, outlines significant flaws in the translocation process. It states that future projects must be overseen by qualified professionals experienced in arboriculture and ecological restoration. The report emphasises the need for gradual pruning to reduce stress on trees and preserve enough canopy for recovery, as well as ensuring that root-balls are preserved during excavation and transport.
The location of the translocated trees is also under scrutiny. According to the report, the trees were relocated in a paddy field, which are prone to waterlogging.
This could severely damage the roots and further jeopardize the survival of the trees. The report also calls for a comprehensive maintenance plan, including regular watering, soil management, and pest control for at least two years following translocation.
The report also raises concerns about the potential demolition of the temple to facilitate the translocation of the fourth tree, further stressing the lack of proper planning and expertise in the process.
The Conservator of Forests in Panjim has called a meeting for Friday, January 31, with representatives from Doctor Trees, PWD, contractors, and the petitioner to discuss the next steps for the translocation of the banyan tree at Porvorim. However, Fernandes has expressed strong opposition to any further attempts to relocate the remaining banyan tree, citing the failure of the previous translocations.
Meanwhile, four local citizens, including ZP Member Karthik Kudnekar, have written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, requesting assurance that the banyan tree and the Khapreshwar Devasthan temple will be preserved during the construction of the elevated six-lane corridor in Porvorim. The group has called for the redesign of the elevated corridor to avoid the demolition of the temple and the tree.
This issue has garnered significant attention following a meeting between Kudnekar and Gadkari in Delhi on December 10, 2024. During the meeting, Gadkari instructed engineers to redesign the span of the elevated corridor to protect both the temple and the banyan tree from demolition.
The next hearing in the High Court regarding the translocation project is scheduled for February 4.