In Calangute, age-old banyan tree uprooted

Calangute: World Environment Day was marked with the uprooting of an old banyan tree behind the Piety chapel at Khobravaddo in Calangute, according to the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF).
“It is sad to note that a builder has forcibly uprooted an over 200-year-old banyan tree existing on the boundary of his property at Khobra-vaddo, Calangute, by excavating mud and cutting the roots,” alleged CCF president Premanand Divkar.
Stating that the banyan tree is registered in the village’s biodiversity register and the authority is aware of the fact, the forum demanded an investigation. The Goa State Biodiversity Board should act to protect the biodiversity of the village,” Divkar said. “Two electricity poles at the side of the property were shifted two days before the felling of the tree. This shows that the builder has executed a well-thought plan to uproot the tree,” CCF said.