Panaji residents upset as historic trees axed

Panaji: In Panaji, the loss of several historic trees, including a rain tree has sparked concern among residents regarding the city’s environmental management practices. Two majestic copper pod trees on 18th June road near Junta House, and the third a rain tree behind Pharmacy College have been felled recently.

Trees are uprooted or collapse in extreme weather conditions across Goa. But citizens alleged that healthy trees in the city have been cleared for insignificant reasons.


During the Portuguese era, the city was planned in a unique grid system and trees were planted to line the avenues. The rain trees were mostly part of this greening.

“The rain tree behind Pharmacy College stood strong. There were not even signs of its roots being exposed,” Avertino Miranda, Goa Green Brigade convener said. But it was sawed off and only the stump can be seen on the southern side of the internal road.

The copper pod tree near the junction of three banks on 18th June road also disappeared, as evidence of only saw dust remained at the spot. It provided shade to the two-wheeler mechanic working at the spot.

The other copper pod tree stood between the road and pavement, opposite Junta House also met a similar fate. “It will create parking space for just one more vehicle or it may have been an obstruction for a nearby business establishment,” a citizen said.

More than a decade ago, the forest department had rejected a Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) proposal to fell roadside trees for footpaths in the city at a few spots.

A huge mango tree with a bushy canopy near the fire services department and a tamarind tree opposite it near Krixi Bhavan junction were facing the axe. The tamarind tree, however, was brought down about two years ago. “The environment becomes a casualty, as the rule of law is not respected by authorities,” Elvis Gomes, former CCP commissioner said.

The state capital’s green cover has suffered due to systematic axing of age old trees one by one, Miranda said. “A pattern in butchering of trees and destruction of evidence can be seen in the city,” he said. Despite repeated efforts CCP officials could not be contacted.

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