Society Demands Strict Enforcement of Green Highways Policy

24 Dec 2024 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, to mitigate ecological damage caused by highway projects.

Benedict Fernandes, the society’s secretary, highlighted that over 30,000 km of highways have been widened in the last decade, leading to extensive tree felling. With 116,000 km of projects pending expansion, non-compliance with the policy risks irreversible environmental harm.

The policy mandates allocating 1% of project costs to a green fund, appointing agencies for tree translocation, and hiring specialists for plantation work. However, the society's review of key projects found glaring lapses in adherence.

After multiple ignored appeals, the society approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which issued directives on December 16 for strict policy compliance. The tribunal also called for an independent monitoring committee and periodic compliance reports.

The society continues to press the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for a timeline to execute these measures, warning of further legal action if the environment remains neglected.

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..