Centre Reviews 201 Infra Proposals In Eco-Sensitive Zones

17 Dec 2025 CW Team

The Union Ministry of Environment has received 201 proposals between 2023 and 2025 seeking approvals for highways, railways and other infrastructure projects passing through eco-sensitive zones, wildlife corridors, national parks and tiger reserves, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question from Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the ministry closely examines such proposals by assessing mitigation measures and wildlife management plans. He also informed the House that 44 elephants died due to train collisions during the same period.

According to official data, 83 proposals were received in 2023, followed by 61 in 2024 and 57 in 2025. Yadav said that whenever approvals are granted, the National Board for Wildlife monitors the implementation of wildlife management and mitigation plans to minimise ecological impact.

The minister highlighted a recent initiative to identify 110 sensitive railway stretches within elephant habitats, where mitigation measures such as overpasses, underpasses and modifications to existing infrastructure have been recommended. He emphasised that project clearances are issued with a focus on balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..