The highway’s last remaining banyan tree, a religious icon estimated to be over 200 years old, has become the focal point of an intense battle between infrastructure development and environmental preservation. Activists, residents, and environmentalists are fighting to prevent its translocation to make way for the six-lane elevated corridor along NH66.
Green Brigade convenor Avertino Miranda highlighted the ecological destruction already caused by the project, stating, “Over 600 trees have already been cut. Five rainforest trees were translocated, but they are dead. Now, we are trying to ensure that no more trees are touched. The last banyan tree must be saved. We will not allow anyone to touch it and the only solution is now, the realignment of the corridor. We are in talks with the engineers. We are trying to redesign the whole elevated corridor. We hope that the government officials, Public Works Department (PWD) and the contractor will have better sense and the banyan tree will be saved.” He emphasised that realigning the corridor is the only viable solution and urged authorities to prioritise conservation. “Throughout the world, elevated corridors are built around trees, not by cutting them. You cannot replace a 200-year-old tree with 100 new ones and expect the same ecological balance.”
The movement to save the tree has gained momentum, with protests, legal interventions, and public outcry. Activist Cecille Rodrigues questioned the cost of development, saying, “This tree is sacred, a part of our identity. What kind of future are we leaving for our children if we continue to destroy our environment?”
The Bombay High Court at Goa has issued an interim stay on the translocation, instructing Hyderabad-based Doctor Trees India Pvt Ltd to submit a detailed affidavit on their methods. Petitioner Aaron Victor E Fernandes criticised the initial affidavit as inadequate, demanding closer scrutiny of the process.
A court-appointed report by ecological consultant Parag Mody further cast doubt on the translocation’s feasibility. The report pointed out flaws in previous tree relocations, including improper handling, inadequate canopy preservation, and waterlogging at relocation sites. It recommended stricter adherence to arboricultural best practices and a reassessment of the project’s environmental impact.
With activists now engaging in discussions with engineers and pushing for a redesign of the elevated corridor, the banyan tree’s fate remains uncertain. As the legal and public battle continues, the question remains: will development triumph over conservation, or will authorities rethink their approach and allow the ancient tree to remain rooted in history?