Panaji: In a strong community-led initiative, over 100 volunteers, including around 35 children, came together in Mapusa on Sunday and planted 68 trees. The trees were planted along the stretch between Gandhi Circle and Bodgeshwar temple, where 22 mature trees were recently cut for road widening. The drive was carried out in collaboration with the Goa Foundation, PWD, Mapusa Municipal Council and Goa Waste Management Corporation.“The plantation drive, which began with preparations over the past week, is part of a compensatory effort led by residents and environmental groups,” said convenor, Goa Green Brigade, Avertino Miranda. The environmentalist managed to save two trees during the tree-felling phase. “We are working in coordination with authorities, including the PWD, who help us dig the 68 pits for the trees.”Of the 68 saplings, several are already about four years old and approximately 3m tall. The species include shade-providing trees such as oleander and wild mango, along with fruit-bearing varieties, such as custard apple, mango and jackfruit.“The plantation aims to prioritise native and non-hybrid species that can provide long-term canopy cover. Most saplings are being sourced from multiple locations to restore ecological balance along the affected stretch,” Miranda said.The Goa Green Brigade is assigning responsibility for each sapling to children and their parents, who will help maintain the trees. The team has also arranged for regular watering until the onset of the monsoon.Of the 68 pits prepared over the past week, a few were affected by heavy rain, with around five becoming waterlogged due to Sunday morning’s pre-monsoon showers. Planting in these remaining pits will continue once conditions improve.
