The systematic removal of several historic and healthy trees in Panaji has triggered alarm and anger among citizens and environmental activists, who are questioning the city's commitment to preserving its green heritage.
Beloved Landmarks Disappear Overnight
Residents of Goa's capital are mourning the loss of iconic trees that once graced its avenues. Two majestic copper pod trees on 18th June Road near Junta House and a rain tree behind the Pharmacy College have been recently cut down. While trees sometimes fall during extreme weather, locals insist these were healthy specimens removed for questionable reasons.
Many of Panaji's grand trees, including the rain trees, were part of a unique greening plan from the Portuguese era, which designed the city on a grid system with trees lining the avenues. Their loss represents a erosion of this historical landscape.
"A Pattern of Butchering": Activists Allege Mismanagement
Avertino Miranda, convener of the Goa Green Brigade, provided stark details. He stated the rain tree behind Pharmacy College was robust with no exposed roots, yet it was sawed off, leaving only a stump. Similarly, one copper pod tree near a junction of three banks on 18th June Road vanished, with only sawdust as evidence. This tree provided crucial shade for a local two-wheeler mechanic.
The other copper pod tree, situated between the road and pavement opposite Junta House, met the same fate. A citizen speculated the removal was to create space for a single parking spot or to remove an obstruction for a nearby business. This incident echoes a past conflict where, over a decade ago, the state forest department had rejected a Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) proposal to cut roadside trees for footpaths.
Miranda accused authorities of a "pattern in butchering of trees and destruction of evidence" in the city, stating that Panaji's green cover is suffering from the systematic axing of age-old trees one by one.
Broader Concerns Over Rule of Law and Green Cover
The issue extends beyond these three trees. A large mango tree near the fire services department and a tamarind tree opposite it near the Krixi Bhavan junction were also marked for removal, with the tamarind tree already felled about two years ago.
Elvis Gomes, a former commissioner of the CCP, summed up the frustration, stating, "The environment becomes a casualty, as the rule of law is not respected by authorities." Despite repeated attempts by journalists, current CCP officials could not be reached for comment on the allegations, leaving the public's questions unanswered and the future of Panaji's remaining green canopy uncertain.
