Team Herald
PONDA: A major tragedy was averted as a 600-year-old banyan tree, worshipped by locals as Vada Dev, collapsed at the Banastari market at 1:30 am on Thursday. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, bringing relief to vendors and devotees who regularly worship at the site.
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The ancient tree, which housed a small temple (ghumti), had been revered for centuries. Locals and vendors, who arrived at the market in the morning, expressed gratitude that the tree had fallen before the busy market day, preventing a potential disaster. “We are thankful that Vada Dev protected us and collapsed without harming anyone,” said a local vendor. Every year, cultural celebrations, including two staged dramas, are held at the site to honour the sacred tree.
Bhoma Sarpanch Damodar Naik questioned the efficiency of Ponda’s Disaster Management Team, accusing them of negligence.
“Where is the disaster management team?” he asked. “The Bhoma Panchayat submitted multiple memorandums over the past six months, requesting the removal of the tree as it was drying at the top. However, no action was taken. The Panchayat could not bear the cost of removal, so we sought assistance from the disaster management authorities, but there was no response.”
Naik further stated that the incident caused an estimated loss of Rs 6 lakh, as the falling tree damaged metal sheets of the ghumti and several market stalls. However, he acknowledged that the timing of the collapse saved lives, as it occurred in the early hours of the morning before vendors and shoppers arrived.
Locals have now urged authorities to take immediate action on similar risks to prevent future disasters.
