Goa, June 21 -- In a move that could bring much-needed relief to roadside trees, the Goa Government is considering the implementation of a "no-concrete zone" buffer around trees to protect their root systems and improve long-term survival.

The initiative follows a pan-India directive issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on May 21, 2025, aimed at preventing root damage and enabling water percolation for healthier trees. The State Forest Department has been tasked with studying the Delhi model of de-concretization, which mandates a one-metre radius around trees be left free of concrete and instead filled with natural soil.

"The Chief Secretary, who also serves as the Chairman of the Tree Authority, is actively looking into the issu...