Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 15: The Goa Tree Authority has expressed serious concern over a significant backlog in compensatory tree plantations, with more than 33,000 saplings yet to be planted against tree-felling approvals issued over the past five years to government departments, public sector units, and private agencies. A recent review identified major defaulters, including divisions of the Public Works Department (PWD), Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, Goa Medical College, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, municipal councils, and private projects. In total, 33,723 saplings remain unplanted.
The authority has directed all user agencies and project proponents with pending plantations to submit details of the planting locations and other required information to the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) within two weeks. Officials warned that failure to comply with the Tree Authority’s conditions could have serious consequences for future project approvals.
The review also covered permissions granted for major public projects. In Tivim, the MIT–World Peace project sought to fell 1,449 trees, but DCF (North) permitted only 535 trees to be cut, with a mandate to replant 1,605 tall saplings. For the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Farmagudi, Ponda, felling 195 trees at Bandora village was allowed, subject to replanting 585 tall saplings and undertaking translocation as recommended. At the Unity Mall in Chimbel, 97 trees were approved for felling, with a condition to plant 291 saplings and carry out translocation.
The authority also examined major infrastructure proposals, including road widening projects from Cortalim to the Margao bypass at Verna and along NH-66 from Navelim to Cuncolim. It mandated joint inspections, selective translocation of trees, threefold compensatory plantation using indigenous species, geotagged monitoring of saplings, and strict adherence to High Court guidelines. The measures aim to ensure environmental compliance while balancing development needs.