They know their protest and candlelight vigils won't stop the in evitable . The 200 year - old banyan tree stands in the way of a multimillion- dollar six- lane flyover; and soon. its branches will be severed, reducing it to a lifeless stump before it's finally removed. Yet, they fight. They fight till the very end, because saving even one banyan tree means giving two people the gift of a lifetime ; oxygen, hope, and a reason to believe.
Whether it is an old tree or an elderly person, both often meet the same fate; neglect.
In a world that relentlessly moves forward, anything that stands in the way is simply cast aside. Under the grand banners of progress and development, it has become almost a rule: if something obstructs the path, remove it and march ahead.
Yet, while it is true that development cannot happen without some change, it is equally true that development loses its meaning when it comes at the cost of complete environmental destruction. Fortunately, there are still those in society who understand this delicate balance and refuse to let it be trampled upon.
They fight not for personal gain, but for a future where nature and progress coexist. Some seek justice in the courts, some take to the streets, and others raise their voices in silent candlelit protests. Their struggles are often met with ridicule, indifference, or even forceful suppression by those in power. And yet, they do not give up. They persist. They endure.
One such battle is unfolding in Porvorim, where nature lovers are fighting to save a majestic 200-year-old banyan tree; an ancient guardian of the land—now threatened by a ₹386 crore, six -lane flyover.
The tree, which has witnessed generations come and go, now faces the risk of being uprooted in the name of progress. But those who care refuse to let it fall without a fight.
In the heart of Porvorim, nestled along the bustling NH66 highway, stands a towering banyan tree—an ancient sentinel of Goa’s ecological and cultural history. Believed to be over 200 years old, the tree has been a silent witness to the region’s transformations, sheltering generations of residents, providing refuge to diverse wildlife, and serving as a revered site of worship. Today, however, this venerable giant finds itself at the center of an impassioned struggle between development and conservation.
For months, activists, environmentalists, and local residents have rallied against the proposed translocation of the banyan tree, which is being moved to make way for a six-lane elevated corridor. Their argument is simple yet powerful: translocation is tantamount to destruction.
Protests, candlelight vigils, legal battles, and appeals to political leaders have marked their fight to preserve the tree where it stands.
A Community’s Outcry
The movement to save the tree has drawn voices from all walks of life. At a candlelight protest, Avertina Miranda of the Green Brigade made a heartfelt plea: “We have seen failed attempts at translocation in Arambol and St. Inez. Moving this tree means killing it. We urge the government to realign the flyover and let the tree remain.”
Echoing these sentiments, activist Cecille Rodrigues questioned the priorities of development, stating, “What will the future hold for our children if we continue destroying our environment? This tree is sacred, a part of our identity. Its removal is an act of pure selfishness.”
Local leader Xencor Polgi emphasized the broader significance of the struggle: “This is not just about one tree. It represents the choices we make as a society. We claim to be a land of culture and tradition, yet we are willing to erase our natural heritage in the name of progress.”
Political Assurances and Broken Promises
The concerns of the activists reached the corridors of power when a delegation met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi. The meeting, facilitated by Union Minister of State Shripad Naik, brought a glimmer of hope. Gadkari assured the delegation that he would explore ways to save the tree and instructed engineers to examine alternative solutions.
Despite these assurances, the government’s actions have told a different story. The Public Works Department (PWD) has maintained that translocation is the only viable option, as the corridor’s path is set to pass directly over the tree. Five trees have already been relocated, and officials insist that careful measures will be taken to ensure the banyan tree’s survival at a nearby site in Socorro. However, activists argue that previous translocations have proven disastrous, with trees struggling to survive in their new locations.
Legal Interventions and Environmental Concerns
The fight reached the Bombay High Court at Goa, which issued an interim stay on the translocation, halting government plans until further review. The court directed Doctor Trees India Pvt Ltd, the Hyderabad-based contractor hired for the translocation, to submit a detailed affidavit outlining their methodology. Petitioner Aaron Victor E Fernandes criticized the initial affidavit as incomplete and demanded stricter scrutiny of the translocation process.
A subsequent court-commissioned report cast further doubt on the project. Conducted by ecological consultant Parag Mody, the report detailed significant flaws in previous translocations, including improper handling, insufficient canopy preservation, and unsuitable relocation sites prone to waterlogging. It recommended stricter adherence to arboricultural best practices and called for a complete reassessment of the project’s impact on the environment.
December 6, 2024
Candlelight Protest: Activists and concerned citizens gather in Porvorim to protest against the translocation of a 200-year-old banyan tree.
Environmentalist Avertina Miranda and other activists warn against the risks of translocation, citing past failures in Arambol and St. Inez.
Activists urge the government to realign the six-lane flyover instead of relocating the tree.
December 10, 2024
Activists Meet Nitin Gadkari: A delegation of Goa-based activists and locals meet Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi.
Gadkari assures them that he will explore possibilities to save the tree.
A memorandum is submitted requesting the preservation of the tree.
December 18, 2024
Second Candlelight Protest: Supported by Shri Kapreshwar Devasthan and the Goa Green Brigade, another candlelight protest is held in Porvorim.
Activists claim that despite assurances from authorities, trees have been mutilated and are unlikely to survive.
Citizens urge Porvorim residents to join the protest in large numbers.
January 09, 2025
Five Trees Translocated: As part of the NH66 six-lane corridor project, five out of six trees marked for translocation have been relocated.
The banyan tree is the last remaining tree scheduled for translocation.
PWD Executive Engineer Jude Carvalho insists that translocation is the only option since the flyover will pass directly over the tree.
January 14, 2025
High Court Halts Translocation: The Bombay High Court at Goa issues an interim stay on the translocation of the banyan tree.
Doctor Trees India Pvt Ltd, the agency handling the translocation, is directed to submit a detailed affidavit on their methodology.
January 29, 2025
High Court Report Criticizes Translocation Efforts**: A report submitted to the High Court reveals serious flaws in the tree translocation process.
Hyderabad-based contractor Doctor Trees is accused of mishandling the translocation with little regard for tree survival.
Concerns raised about trees being relocated to a paddy field prone to waterlogging.
The next High Court hearing is scheduled for February 4.
February 4, 2025
Locals Reiterate Demand to Save the Banyan Tree: Activists and residents issue fresh warnings, stating they will intensify protests if the tree is translocated.
Zilla Panchayat member Kartik Kudnekar expresses frustration over government inaction. Goa Green Brigade hints that the government is considering realigning the corridor as per their demands.
As the next court hearing approaches, the residents of Porvorim remain steadfast in their resolve. They have called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to intervene and honor his previous assurances to visit the site and consider realigning the corridor. Zilla Panchayat member Kartik Kudnekar expressed frustration at the government’s silence: “We have made repeated appeals, submitted representations, and even met the Chief Minister. Yet, we have seen no concrete action" .
With tensions running high, the future of the Porvorim banyan tree remains uncertain. However, what is undeniable is the unwavering determination of those fighting to protect it.
Whether through legal battles, protests, or political pressure, Goa’s green warriors have made it clear: they will not stand by as yet another piece of their natural heritage is sacrificed in the name of development.