The move to safeguard Siolim’s heritage trees, petitioners have approached the high court, urging the implementation of stringent measures to prevent the indiscriminate felling of trees. Representing three concerned residents, an advocate has suggested that the Public Works Department (PWD) establish a specialised Green Cell within its ranks, dedicated to the management and conservation of trees along roads slated for any form of upgrade.
The advocate has put forth a series of proposals, highlighting that heritage trees should not be felled under any circumstances, advocating instead for trimming and pruning, which should be carried out under the direct supervision of a qualified forest official. In scenarios where tree removal is unavoidable, the advocate has called for compulsory planting of trees equivalent to the age of the felled trees, supported by relevant notifications to reinforce this mandate. In response, the Advocate General has sought time to review these suggestions, which are documented in the latest order of the division bench. One of the key recommendations includes restraining the PWD from proceeding with tree felling in connection with road widening projects unless detailed plans for the relocation or replacement of the trees are disclosed.
This process should involve consultation with private owners whose trees are earmarked for removal. The advocate emphasised the preference for relocation over felling, followed by the planting of saplings, underscoring the high mortality rate of saplings if not meticulously nurtured. To further safeguard these green assets, the advocate proposed that when land is acquired for road widening, an additional strip of land—approximately 1-2 meters alongside the expanded road—be acquired for planting new trees upon the completion of the widening works. Additionally, the PWD should be required to provide evidence of fully grown trees (at least two years old) planted elsewhere in Goa before it is permitted to fell existing trees for road widening purposes.
The advocate also stressed the necessity for the forest department to inspect the transplanted trees and saplings during the planting process and to conduct follow-up inspections after two years to ensure their survival. The forest department is also urged to offer the PWD the necessary assistance to ensure the longevity of the planted trees. This proactive legal intervention aims to strike a balance between developmental needs and environmental conservation, ensuring that the verdant heritage of Siolim is preserved for future generations while accommodating necessary infrastructure upgrades.
