Society Urges NHAI to Enforce Green Highways Policy
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Society Urges NHAI to Enforce Green Highways Policy

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—the 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—and 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—the 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—and 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
Infrastructure Urban

Capri Loans Launches #TarrakiKeHaath Campaign Honouring India’s Everyday Heroes

Capri Global Capital Ltd (Capri Loans), a leading non-banking financial company, has unveiled its latest brand campaign, #TarrakiKeHaath, a powerful tribute to the everyday hands that build India — from kirana store owners and taxi drivers to dhaba workers, tailors, and carpenters. Narrated by Capri Loans’ long-standing brand ambassador and acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, the campaign celebrates the dignity, resilience, and aspirations of self-employed individuals and small business owners who form the backbone of Bharat’s economy. Conceptualized by Rediffusion Brand Solutions, the..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Mphasis Partners with Sixfold to Revolutionize Insurance Underwriting with AI

Mphasis, a leading provider of cloud and cognitive technology solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Sixfold, a US and UK-based artificial intelligence (AI) underwriting company, to enhance and streamline insurance underwriting processes. As a certified implementation partner, Mphasis will integrate Sixfold’s AI-powered platform to help insurers significantly accelerate submission intake, improve risk assessment accuracy, and reduce underwriting turnaround times. The solution, already in production at several leading carriers, is designed for Life & Disability, Comm..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Mastek Wins NHS England Cybersecurity Training Contract

Mastek (NSE: MASTEK; BSE: 523704), a trusted global provider of digital engineering and cloud transformation services, has been awarded a significant contract by NHS England to deliver cybersecurity training for NHS Boards and Senior Information Risk Owners (SIROs). The initiative, delivered in collaboration with Templar Executives, aims to strengthen cyber governance and resilience across the healthcare system.  The one-year contract—renewable for an additional year—will focus on building executive-level awareness and preparedness against cyber threats, ensuring compliance with ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?