Only viable option as corridor will pass directly over it: Official
The banyan tree is expected to be translocated soon to a nearby site.
MAPUSA
As part of the ongoing work for the six-lane elevated corridor along NH66 highway at Porvorim, five of the six trees earmarked for translocation have already been relocated.
The final tree, a banyan with religious significance, is expected to be moved soon, with the Public Works Department (PWD) taking special care to ensure its survival.
Executive Engineer, PWD (NH), Jude Carvalho emphasised the sensitivity of the situation due to the banyan tree’s religious importance.
"Since this is a sensitive issue, we have requested higher authorities to take appropriate action. My personal mission is to ensure the tree is translocated properly and survives. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments," Carvalho stated.
He explained that translocation was the only viable option to save the tree, as the elevated corridor would directly pass over it.
“We cannot save the tree by keeping it in its current location. Our project is coming over the tree,” he said.
The PWD has identified a suitable site for translocating the banyan tree, aerially located just 300 metres from its current spot in Socorro.
However, approval from the local comunidade and the village panchayat is required before proceeding.
"We have requested the comunidade and panchayat to suggest suitable land for the tree’s relocation. I have already sent them the necessary documents for approval,” Carvalho added.
To ensure the successful translocation, Carvalho stated that the PWD was willing to work with any agency suggested by petitioners, provided the quote is reasonable and the petitioner agrees to take responsibility for the tree’s survival.
“If the petitioner agrees to these two conditions, I am ready to proceed,” Carvalho confirmed.
The PWD has enlisted the help of Dr Tree, a professional agency with experience in tree translocation, to carry out the work.
Carvalho also addressed concerns regarding the other trees affected by the elevated corridor project.
"Felling is almost 90 per cent complete. Some remaining trees will be pruned instead of being felled if not required. We have instructed the contractor not to cut trees unnecessarily. As long as we get the required 25-metre Right of Way (ROW), we will not touch the trees beyond that," he said.
In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the High Court had directed the PWD to take additional precautions and safeguards to protect the remaining trees during the ongoing project.
