HC roots for endangered trees affected by Porvorim flyover

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.