CM: Aid to local groups to plant trees along 250km of highways

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said state govt will carry out tree plantation along 250km of Goa’s state and national highways, including medians and stretches on either side of the roads.


He said village biodiversity management committees (BMCs) and local women’s self-help groups will be supported to carry out and maintain the plantations.


Sawant said state govt will also make provision for adequate water supply to help these groups maintain the plantations.


He was speaking at the International Day for Biological Diversity celebrations organised by the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB).


The chief minister handed over Rs 1 lakh each to 50 salt pan farmers under a new state scheme to encourage them to continue this traditional occupation.


Sawant said govt will further increase the assistance to Rs 2 lakh.


“In the future, this will be one of the few places where these traditional salt pans will exist, and people will come specially to see them,” Sawant said.


The chief minister also said govt wants to promote bamboo cultivation in the state and urged villagers to come forward to take up cultivation along riverbanks in Goa. He said the required seeds will be supplied by the state.


“Bamboo cultivation and sale is a major trade in many states. It can generate significant income. It also does not require forest department permission for harvesting,” Sawant said.


He also presented the Goa State Biodiversity Conservation Awards.


Earlier in the day, the final draft of the state’s first Goa State Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (GSBSAP) was presented at the event, and leaders of all 16 thematic teams explained the contents of the plan.


“This year, the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 is ‘Acting locally for global impact’. It highlights the essential role of local action in achieving the goals of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It emphasises that implementation happens on the ground through combined efforts,” said GSBB member secretary Pradip Sarmokadam.