Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 16: A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Goa High Court challenging the Goa Tree Authority’s decision to permit the felling of 2,395 trees for two major highway expansion projects in the state.

The petition questions the approval granted for tree cutting along the proposed Margao bypass at Verna and the Navelim Western Bypass to Uskini Bandh in Cuncolim.

The matter is scheduled to be heard by the High Court on Tuesday.

The PIL seeks judicial scrutiny of the Tree Authority’s approval, raising concerns about the environmental impact of the large-scale tree felling associated with the infrastructure projects.

The petitioners have urged the court to examine whether due procedures were followed before granting permission and to assess the potential ecological consequences of removing thousands of trees for the proposed road expansion works.

The case comes amid growing debate over balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation in Goa, where several road and highway projects have faced opposition from environmental groups and local residents.

The outcome of the hearing is expected to have significant implications for both the progress of the highway expansion projects and efforts to protect the region’s green cover and biodiversity.

The High Court's decision could determine whether the tree-felling permissions remain in force or are subjected to further review before the projects proceed.