The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has disposed of Original Application No. 53/2026-PB titled Nitin Saxena versus the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and others concerning the proposed felling of trees for the Asharam Tiraha to Ratnagiri Tiraha Ayodhya Bypass expansion project in Bhopal. The tribunal allowed the expansion to proceed while imposing strict environmental safeguards. The decision was taken by a bench of the tribunal after considering representations from the parties and environmental concerns.

The application had challenged the removal of roadside and avenue trees required for widening works and sought remedial measures to protect urban green cover. In disposing the matter the NGT balanced the necessity of improving road infrastructure with the imperative of environmental protection. The bench recorded that development activity must proceed only in conformity with the conditions it laid down.

The tribunal stipulated safeguards such as compensatory afforestation, translocation of saplings where feasible, an environmental management plan and measures to control dust, noise and pollution during construction. It directed the implementing agency to prepare a detailed mitigation plan and a schedule for planting and survival monitoring. The order emphasised continuous monitoring, documentation and independent audit of compliance.

The NHAI, as the implementing agency, was directed to implement the safeguards and to coordinate with local authorities for on ground execution. The NGT required periodic compliance reports and reserved the right to take corrective action in case of violations. The tribunal also made provisions to address grievances of affected residents and civic groups through designated channels.

The disposal of the application clears a major procedural hurdle for the Ayodhya Bypass expansion while signalling stringent oversight of environmental safeguards. The outcome underlines the tribunal's approach of permitting infrastructure projects subject to enforceable ecological conditions. Parties and local stakeholders will now await implementation and verification of the stipulated measures.