Translocated Porvorim trees hanging by a leaf: Expert report

THE GOAN NETWORK | JANUARY 31, 2025, 12:21 AM IST

PANAJI

A physical assessment of the translocated trees by a private consultant revealed the translocation of four trees at Porvorim was poorly executed with little regard for their survival.

According to Parag Mody, a Landscape Designer and Ecological Consultant, the process suffered shortcomings that have impacted the survival chances of these trees.

In its report submitted to the High Court of Bombay at Goa, the consultant sought intervention to ensure their survival. With the Bench adjourning the matter for next week, all concerned agencies including PWD, Forest, translocation agency Doctor Tree, Landscape consultant and others will hold a crucial meeting to strategize the process for other trees, on Friday.

“The translocation process for these trees has been poorly executed, with little regard for their survival. Immediate action is required to address these issues and ensure that future tree translocation projects adhere to best practices. Without intervention, the survival of these trees remains highly unlikely,” the report stated.

Regarding Tree 1 and Tree 2, which were translocated to a rice paddy area near a water body, the report noted severe pruning, root-ball damage, inappropriate site selection, poor translocation techniques and a lack of post-translocation care.  

For the third tree, a Banyan estimated to be 75 to 100 years old, the report stated that while it has not yet been translocated, it is already in a severely compromised state due to excessive pruning and untreated cuts.

The consultant apprehended that the tree is likely to face further damage during translocation due to improper root-ball preparation and unsuitable soil conditions at the new location, which is also expected to be a rice paddy.  

Regarding the fourth tree, located next to a temple and not yet translocated, key concerns included ‘potential structural damage,’ as the temple may need to be demolished to facilitate the tree’s translocation, and ‘expected poor practices,’ based on the methods observed for the other trees.  

“The translocation process carried out by the agency demonstrates a lack of expertise and proper planning. The agency appears to prioritize minimizing costs over ensuring the survival of the trees. This is evident in the use of lightweight equipment and the severe reduction of canopy and root-ball size,” the report observed, adding, “There is no evidence that the agency possesses the necessary technical skills or understanding of proper tree translocation techniques.”  

The consultant further noted that proper tree translocation involves gradual pruning, careful root-ball preparation, and site conditioning -- essential steps that were neglected. Moreover, the choice of waterlogged rice paddies as translocation sites further diminishes the survival chances of the trees. The report also observed that post-translocation care, such as watering, mulching, and pest management, was not undertaken properly.

During a previous hearing, Senior advocate Norma Alvares alleged a massive banyan tree located between Guirim and Neo Majestic was hacked crudely and branches were callously thrown to the ground. She feared slim survival chances of translocated trees stating proper care ought to be followed before the process begins, after which the Court had allowed assessment by a consultant besides the government. 



Share this