The prominent banyan tree near the Hyundai showroom was recently moved to the fields in Socorro.
MAPUSA
The Goa Green Brigade has strongly condemned the handling of centuries-old tree translocation efforts, accusing the agency responsible of gross negligence and mismanagement.
According to the environmental group, the Hyderabad-based agency Doctor Trees, contracted to carry out the task, has caused irreparable damage to the trees, leaving their chances of survival slim.
Convenor of the Goa Green Brigade, Avertino Miranda, alleged that the trees were “crudely and carelessly treated” during the translocation process.
“Their chances of survival are very bleak. The agency has not adhered to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways guidelines for tree translocation, violating their own stated procedures,” Miranda said.
Out of six trees selected for relocation, five – including a prominent banyan tree near the Hyundai showroom – were moved to fields in Socorro village. However, the Green Brigade claims the process was poorly executed, with the trees being severely mutilated and transplanted into waterlogged areas prone to root rot during the monsoon.
“One of the trees has already been infested by termites. The lack of basic precautions, such as applying fungicide after cutting, has made the situation worse,” said Miranda.
A petitioner in the matter, Aaron Fernandes, pointed out that Doctor Trees’ own guidelines recommend translocation during the monsoon season, yet the trees were moved post-monsoon.
This apparent disregard for timing, coupled with the inadequate treatment of the trees, has drawn sharp criticism.
The Green Brigade has called for stern action against Doctor Trees and the government officials overseeing the translocation project, accusing them of failing in their duties to protect the environment.
“This is not translocation; this is murder of the trees,” Miranda concluded, urging immediate measures to address the alleged lapses and ensure accountability.
