Siolim locals' fight for trees pays off; get court relief

Roxanne D'silva

UNITED WE STAND

Siolim residents remained united in expressing their chagrin against the indiscriminate felling of heritage trees for road widening by holding a candlelight march on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.

Save Siolim trees| Siolim | Tree cutting| Candlelight protest | Photo: Karishma

SIGH OF RELIEF

They made a joyful noise by beating utensils in celebration after the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday granted an interim stay on the felling of trees.

Save Siolim trees| Siolim| Tree cutting| Candlelight protest | Photo: Karishma

HERITAGE GONE

The court, responding to a public interest petition (PIL) filed by concerned residents, expressed concern over the indiscriminate cutting of heritage trees and directed the government to investigate the matter.

Save Siolim trees| Siolim| Tree cutting| Candlelight protest | Photo: Roxanne D'silva

GONE FOREVER

In just three days, 35 trees have already been destroyed using chainsaws and tractors. The citizens also allege that the felling of trees was undertaken without proper approvals.

Save Siolim trees| Siolim| Tree cutting| Candlelight protest | Photo: Augusto Rodrigues

LIGHT AFTER DARK

The trees that were chopped down extend from the HDFC junction all the way to the bus stop on the Siolim main road leading to Porta Vaddo.

Save Siolim trees| Siolim| Tree cutting| Candlelight protest | Photo: Karishma

BANKING ON HOPE

Along with trees, compound walls have also been razed to widen a 4-km stretch of road.

Save Siolim trees| Siolim| Tree cutting| Candlelight protest | Photo: Karishma

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