log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY DECEMBER 12, 2024 Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 175 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 5 2 HC roots for endangered trees affected by Porvorim flyover GOA GOA Parents, students protest, demand transfer of teacher 11-km Margao Western bypass ready for commissioning INFO Is bad breath a sign of a weak heart? WARNS OF STALLING PROJECT IF SAFEGUARDS NOT FOLLOWED THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The High Court of Bombay at Goa issued a scathing rebuke to the State government for failing to protect trees endangered by the Porvorim flyover construction, warning it is prepared to halt the project entirely if it cannot ensure safeguards and translocation of selected trees. The Division Bench of Justice M S Karnik and Justice Nivedita Mehta also sought an inquiry into the alleged attack on a banyan tree by a JCB machine during a translocation attempt on December 3. Despite existing, not a single official from the project agency or government was present during the process, which was halted after intervention from locals. “We are willing to stop the project if there is no access to protect the trees. You have assured us that these trees will be translocated and we expect you to honour that commitment,” the Court observed. Though no written directive for an inquiry was issued Porvorim flyover triggers clash between development, heritage The iconic banyan tree at Porvorim. during the hearing, the Bench suggested a probe into the alleged violent handling of the banyan tree. It has also summoned the project manager of the translocation agency along with other concerned officials, to appear in the Court on Thursday. Senior advocate Norma Alvares, raising the issue in the ongoing miscellaneous civil application, revealed how a massive banyan tree located between Guirim and Neo Majestic was hacked crudely with branches callously thrown to the ground. “On December 3, we witnessed workers attacking the banyan tree with a JCB. When questioned, they claimed it was part of the project but no agency representatives or government officials were at the site,” she told the Court. Along this stretch, the government had initially marked around 616 trees for felling. Public protests forced authorities to agree to translocate six banyan trees while sparing MAPUSA: Development often comes at a price, and in some cases, that cost is the environment. The construction of a six-lane elevated corridor, aimed at easing traffic congestion, has brought with it a sobering cost: the removal of 610 trees and translocation of six. Among these stands the iconic banyan tree at Vodakode, a symbol revered for its spiritual and cultural significance. While three trees have already been relocated, the future of the banyan tree and another two has become a flashpoint of resistance. >> See pg 5 nine other ancient trees. AG Devidas Pangam informed the Court that PWD had engaged a specialized agency called “Dr Tree” for the translocation process. However, the absence of agency representatives raised serious concerns as the Court observed that the project manager should be aware which trees are for translocation and the ones to be preserved. Alvares conceded that this process will ensure trees are not touched by accident or out of design. She feared slim survival chances of translocated trees. “Translocation requires meticulous planning and care. The measures are to be taken at least three months before the trees are touched. We have great doubts about the survival of this particular banyan tree but if directions are put forth, we hope that the Forest Department takes proper initiative to ensure its presence so that these trees are not hacked crudely,” Alvares said. 9 SPORTS Mandhana’s ton goes in vain as India loses to Australia 14 PF withdrawals via ATMs from next year: Labour Secy NEW DELHI: The Labour Ministry is modernising its IT systems to offer better services to the nation’s vast workforce. Starting in 2025, EPFO subscribers will be able to withdraw their provident funds directly from ATMs, Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra said on Wednesday. >> See pg 3
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