Staff Reporter
Panaji
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has ordered a stay on the translocation of a centuries-old heritage banyan tree in Vodakkodem, Porvorim, until the next hearing on January 21.
The court has directed Hyderabad-based firm Doctor Tree, contracted to oversee the translocation of six trees affected by the Porvorim elevated corridor project, to submit a detailed affidavit by January 20 outlining the methodology for translocation.
The High Court had earlier instructed the state government to provide a comprehensive mechanism for the translocation of heritage trees impacted by the project. Additionally, the petitioners were allowed to include Doctor Tree as a respondent in the case.
The banyan tree, located along NH 66, has become a symbol of community resistance, with local activists and residents protesting its potential destruction due to the construction of the flyover. The matter escalated after the court was informed that the tree, marked for translocation, was partially cut using an excavator.
Expressing strong displeasure, the court criticised the lack of coordination between the authorities and condemned the crude handling of the tree, which activists argue holds both environmental and historical significance.
