THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
The Goa Green Brigade along with local residents has reiterated its opposition to the translocation of the iconic banyan tree in Porvorim, warning that they will take to the streets if necessary to protect it.
The group has urged the government to reconsider the alignment of the proposed elevated corridor to preserve the tree.
Zilla Panchayat member and local resident Kartik Kudnekar expressed disappointment over the lack of response from authorities despite multiple appeals.
He stated that he had submitted several representations to the government and personally met the Chief Minister regarding the issue, but no concrete action has been taken so far.
“We have not received any support from the Porvorim MLA or any other government official. We had appealed to the Chief Minister to save the banyan tree and the Kapreshwar temple. He had assured us that he would visit the site, but he has not done so yet. We remain hopeful for a positive outcome,” Kudnekar said.
Residents and activists gathered for a candlelight protest, the fourth of its kind, to emphasise their demand. They stressed the importance of the banyan tree and the need to preserve it instead of opting for translocation.
Goa Green Brigade Convenor Avertino Miranda stated that indications suggest the government is considering realigning the corridor, which has been a key demand of the protestors.
“We do not support the translocation of the banyan tree. Our primary demand is a slight modification in the alignment of the elevated corridor to prevent its removal,” Miranda said.
He also expressed concerns over the translocation process, arguing that authorities, including Dr Tree, lack the necessary expertise.
He claimed that most trees that have been translocated in the past are on the verge of dying.
Activists had previously met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to request a realignment of the project but have yet to receive any response. The group has since written to Gadkari again, urging immediate action.
Activist Xencor Polgi criticised Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, accusing him of failing to protect the State’s environment, forests and traditional heritage.
Deepesh Naik, another activist, warned that the people of Goa would strongly oppose any attempt to translocate the tree.
“If the government proceeds with translocation, the entire State will rise in protest. The only solution is to realign the corridor and save the banyan tree,” Naik asserted.
The protests continue as locals and environmentalists remain firm in their demand for the preservation of the century-old banyan tree, pressing for immediate government intervention.
