NT Reporter
Panaji
In a matter related to permission granted for the felling of trees for two major highway expansion projects in the state, the
High Court of Bombay at Goa on Tuesday was informed that
310 of the 422 trees permitted for felling have already been cut.
A statement was made on behalf of the executive engineer, PWD highways.
The High Court said, “We have heard this matter for a considerable time and list this petition for continuation of hearing tomorrow morning, considering
the urgency involved in
the case.”
The court directed that the matter be listed on June 17 at 10.30 am.
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Goa High Court challenging the Goa Tree Authority’s decision to grant permission for the felling of 2,395 trees for two major highway expansion projects in the state.
The petition questions the approval granted for tree cutting along the proposed Margao bypass at Verna and the Navelim Western Bypass to Uskini Bandh in Cuncolim.
The PIL seeks judicial scrutiny of the Tree Authority’s approval amid concerns over the environmental impact of the large-scale tree felling linked to the infrastructure projects.
During an earlier
hearing, the High Court directed the Tree Authority to place on record all material examined before taking its decision in
compliance with Section 7(h) of the Goa Preservation of Trees Act and in compliance with paragraphs 3(8) to 3(17) of
the court’s October 16, 2025, order.
The petition has
been filed by Shohail Francis Furtado and another person.
