Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 13: The lush green canopy lining both sides of the National Highway 66 between Cuncolim and Navelim is set to disappear, with over 700 trees marked for removal to facilitate the highway’s expansion into a four-lane road over a 6.5 km stretch.

Following the recent issuance of a tender by the Union Ministry of Road Transport for the four-laning project, the Public Works Department (National Highways division) has begun tagging trees along the route. As of now, approximately 725 trees have been numbered by PWD officials, signaling the beginning of the clearance process required for road widening.

A PWD official confirmed that preparations are underway to obtain the necessary clearances from the Forest Department. “Tree numbering has been completed on both sides of the highway, and we will soon seek permission to proceed with felling as per the highway expansion plan,” the official said.

Interestingly, many of these trees were originally planted by the PWD itself several decades ago, when the land was acquired in anticipation of future road developments. One official noted that some trees, especially during the monsoon, have posed a risk to commuters due to falling branches or weakened trunks. “Their removal is now inevitable for both safety and development purposes,” the official added.

However, the expansion plans have not gone unchallenged. Chinchinim Sarpanch Frank Viegas revealed that a group of villagers is planning to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in a final effort to oppose the current proposal. The villagers are urging the government to abandon the idea of constructing the road on stilts through Dandeavaddo and instead pursue a bypass route.

“The local Comunidade has already issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for land acquisition to facilitate the bypass,” Viegas said. “We hope the Chief Minister reconsiders the current alignment and opts for a more community-friendly alternative that avoids disturbing the village and its environment.”

The debate now stands at a crossroads — between development and environmental preservation, with growing calls for a more balanced and sensitive infrastructure approach.