The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has welcomed the state government's initiative to plant 10,000 saplings within 90 days but cautioned that the effort might repeat a familiar cycle of planting followed by removal for infrastructure projects. In a statement, GCCI emphasized that without careful planning, species selection, and ongoing maintenance, such plantations risk becoming temporary exercises rather than lasting environmental assets.
GCCI's Recommendations for Sustainable Plantation
GCCI president Pratima Dhond stressed the importance of purposeful planting. "If we plant with purpose today, choosing native fruit-bearing trees and integrating them into road design, we will gift our children a thriving, productive canopy, not just numbers on paper," she said. The chamber pointed to the Ponda bypass corridor as an example where roadside plantations were lost to road expansion and utility works, undermining environmental gains.
Key Factors for Success
According to Dhond, success depends on more than just the number of saplings planted. "Planning, species selection, site suitability, maintenance, and long-term survival are critical," she noted. GCCI recommended integrating plantations into road design from the outset, with designated planting zones, setbacks, utility corridors, and future expansion needs factored in before saplings are planted.
Advocacy for Native Species
The industry body has raised these concerns with the Public Works Department since 2021. It advocates prioritizing traditional Goan fruit-bearing trees such as mango, jackfruit, kokum, jamun, and tamarind over ornamental or invasive species. Such plantations would preserve Goa's landscape, promote biodiversity, reduce temperatures, create green corridors, enhance carbon sequestration, generate livelihoods through fruit harvesting, and support village tourism.
