Ponda: A massive banyan tree, over 100 years old, collapsed in the early hours of Thursday at Banastari Market Complex, damaging the market’s roofing and crushing vendors’ goods. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as the incident occurred around 1.10 am when the market was deserted.
Bhoma Sarpanch Damodar Naik said that the collapse caused damages worth over Rs 5 lakh to the market structure and vendors’ materials.
He said that if the incident had occurred during the market’s busy hours, especially on Thursday—Banastari’s weekly bazaar day—it could have led to a major disaster.
“The panchayat had repeatedly requested the government’s disaster management team for funds to remove the tree over the past 7-8 months, citing its hazardous condition. However, no action was taken,” he said, adding, “It was a huge tree, and cutting it down required significant expenses. With God’s grace, it fell on its own without causing harm.”
