In the shade of Panjim trees

Praveena Sharma

NATURE’S CANOPY

Panjim's boulevards offer respite from oppressing heat in summer and shelter from rains in monsoon. Unlike most coastal cities, its flora and fauna are richly diverse covering 20 per cent of its area.

Goa|Panjim trees|Nature|Canopy | Photo: Praveena Sharma

WITNESS TO HISTORY

These age-old trees – some dating back over 100 years – have been witness to the city’s historical past. These sun-blazed trees outside the Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias could be as old as the club, dating back to early 20th century, on the balmy Miramar beach.  

Goa|Panjim trees|Nature|Canopy | Photo: Praveena Sharma

MERGING WITH CITYSCAPE

These whispering pines add to Panjim’s beauty and effortlessly merge with the cityscape.  Records on city’s tree reveal most of its trees are cultivated. Its natural vegetations have ‘moist deciduous elements’ and consist of mainly mangrove, shrubs and herbs. 

Goa|Panjim trees|Nature|Canopy | Photo: Praveena Sharma

PALMY DAYS

You’ll find a variety of palms along with mangroves and rainforest trees in Panjim. All chasing the sunlight and trying to outdo each other in the race. Palms, in many ways, are the symbol of Goa. So, how can they be missing in its capital. 

Goa|Panjim trees|Nature|Canopy | Photo: Praveena Sharma

MANGROVE MEMORIES

It’s a pleasure driving on the city’s road along the sea lined with pine trees. These pine trees and the mangroves maintain the ecological balance of the area and prevent soil erosion on the beaches.

Goa|Panjim trees|Nature|Canopy | Photo: Praveena Sharma

DODGING SHADOW OF AXE

Sadly, indiscriminate development has cast a long shadow on these ‘woody monuments’. After being assiduously nurtured and nourished for several decades and centuries, today they’re dodging the murderous axe daily, and living to fight another day. 

Goa|Panjim trees|Nature|Canopy | Photo: Praveena Sharma

HEAR THEIR CRIES

It’s time the city authorities hear the desperate cries of Panjim’s trees and save them from the commercial ravens, who have descended upon these life-givers to make their fortunes.

Goa|Panjim trees|Nature|Canopy | Photo: Praveena Sharma

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