Society Urges NHAI to Enforce Green Highways Policy
31 Dec 2024
2 Min Read
CW Team
The Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha (Society for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change) has called for the immediate implementation of the Green Highways Policy (2015), which obligates the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to incorporate environmental safeguards in highway projects.
Benedict Fernandes, secretary of the society, told reporters that over the last decade, 30,000 km of highways have been widened and reinforced, leading to the destruction of numerous trees and significant environmental damage.
He pointed out that 1,16,000km of highway expansion projects are still pending, which could further harm the environment if the Green Highways Policy is not adopted. "The society will closely monitor all current and future projects to ensure compliance with the green policy. Should violations occur, we are prepared to take legal action through the National Green Tribunal (NGT)," Fernandes said.
According to the policy, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) is required to appoint agencies for tree translocation and plantation, allocate 1% of the project cost to a green fund, and hire specialised contractors for tree planting and translocation as per the standards and timeline set out.
The society recently reviewed three ongoing projects鈥攖he four-laning of the Sanur to Bikarnakatte section, removal of blackspots and construction of an overpass, and the four-laning of the Pulkeri to Mala Gate section鈥攁nd found no evidence of adherence to the Green Highways Policy. A letter was sent to the NHAI on January 29, urging them to ensure the policy is followed.
When the NHAI failed to respond, the society approached the NGT. On December 16, the NGT directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to address the issue and ensure compliance. An independent monitoring committee was recommended, along with periodic compliance reports. The society has called for strict penalties against violators and asked the NHAI to set a clear timeline for implementing the NGT's order.
The Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha (Society for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change) has called for the immediate implementation of the Green Highways Policy (2015), which obligates the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to incorporate environmental safeguards in highway projects.
Benedict Fernandes, secretary of the society, told reporters that over the last decade, 30,000 km of highways have been widened and reinforced, leading to the destruction of numerous trees and significant environmental damage.
He pointed out that 1,16,000km of highway expansion projects are still pending, which could further harm the environment if the Green Highways Policy is not adopted. The society will closely monitor all current and future projects to ensure compliance with the green policy. Should violations occur, we are prepared to take legal action through the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Fernandes said.
According to the policy, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) is required to appoint agencies for tree translocation and plantation, allocate 1% of the project cost to a green fund, and hire specialised contractors for tree planting and translocation as per the standards and timeline set out.
The society recently reviewed three ongoing projects鈥攖he four-laning of the Sanur to Bikarnakatte section, removal of blackspots and construction of an overpass, and the four-laning of the Pulkeri to Mala Gate section鈥攁nd found no evidence of adherence to the Green Highways Policy. A letter was sent to the NHAI on January 29, urging them to ensure the policy is followed.
When the NHAI failed to respond, the society approached the NGT. On December 16, the NGT directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to address the issue and ensure compliance. An independent monitoring committee was recommended, along with periodic compliance reports. The society has called for strict penalties against violators and asked the NHAI to set a clear timeline for implementing the NGT's order.
Next Story
unWOOD transforms plastic waste into durable wood alternative
unWOOD, a breakthrough innovation, is converting hard-to-recycle plastic waste into a durable alternative to natural wood. Developed through a proprietary process called Intelligent Compounding, unWOOD uses a Macro Molecular Fiber Matrix (MMFM) structure to replicate the strength, look, and feel of hardwood鈥攚ithout the environmental cost.Conceptualised by Dr Babu Padmanabhan, the material addresses key flaws in traditional plastic recycling by consuming minimal energy, using zero water, and generating no microplastics. 鈥淎ny application that introduces plastics into areas where it cannot be..
Next Story
H盲fele launches Matrix undermount runners range
H盲fele has introduced its new Matrix range of undermount runners, designed to enhance drawer motion across kitchens, wardrobes, bathroom units, and more.Available in four weight capacities and a wide range of lengths, the Matrix undermount runners support diverse drawer designs. The 40 kg and 60 kg variants feature synchronised technology for superior motion and drawer stability. All runners come with an integrated soft-close mechanism to ensure smooth and noiseless operation.This in-house range is ideal for kitchen cabinets, bed storage units, living room furniture and bathroom drawers, offe..
Next Story
India's first AI-integrated campus announced in Noida
Yashoda Hospital and Bhutani Infra have announced plans to develop India鈥檚 first fully AI-integrated mixed-use campus in Greater Noida West. The upcoming project will feature a hospital, retail spaces, offices, SOHOs, serviced apartments, and a hotel鈥攁ll operating within a self-learning, generative AI-powered ecosystem.The AI-first campus will integrate real-time data systems, predictive analytics, and adaptive infrastructure to offer personalised experiences across functions. From AI-enabled footfall tracking and dynamic energy optimisation to smart F&B and retail insights, the develo..
