Mangaluru: Aranya, Parisla Matu Havamana Badalavani Sangha (Association of Forest, Environment and Climate Change) calls for the implementation of Green Highways (Planting, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy 2015 which requires National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Implementation Environmental protection measures in highway projects.
Benedict Fernandez, secretary-general of the association, told reporters on Monday that 30,000 kilometers of highways have been widened and reinforced over the past decade, resulting in the felling of large numbers of trees and serious damage to forests and the environment.
In addition, there are still 116,000 kilometers of highway projects waiting to be expanded. Not accepted green highway policy will lead to irreparable consequences ecological damage.
“The association will closely monitor future and ongoing projects to ensure strict compliance with green policies. If violations are found, we will not hesitate to file contempt proceedings before the National Green Tribunal (NGT),” he said.
He explained that under the policy, New Delhi’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has to appoint tree relocation agencies and separate planting agencies, allocate 1% of the project cost to the green fund and hire specialized contractors through designated agencies, as per Policy standards and timelines for tree translocation and planting.
According to reports, the association reviewed three projects: four-laning of the Sanur-Bikakanakat stretch, removal of black spots and construction of vehicular flyovers, and four-laning of the Pulkhree, Kakala to Malla Gate stretch.
Obviously, the green highway policy has not been implemented. Recognizing the critical importance of the policy, the association wrote to national highways authorities on January 29 urging them to take action to ensure compliance with the Green Highways Policy 2015.
The association requested NHAI to appoint an authorized body to select plantation institutions and establish a separate group for agencies that specialize in plantation Working on state highways.
Fernandez said appropriate action should be taken against all officers and officers who neglected their responsibilities under the policy, leading to severe damage to the environment and forests.
When the National Highways Authority failed to respond, the association contacted NGT, Chennai. In its order dated December 16, the NGT directed the second respondent, Minister Moss, to look into the issue and give appropriate directions on compliance with the National Highways Green Policy.
The NGT also directed the appointment of an independent monitoring committee or direct respondent to submit regular compliance reports to the court on compliance with the policy in the said project and all similar projects across the country.
Punitive fees should be imposed on respondents who violate green policies. The association has written to the National Highways Authority to finalize the implementation schedule of the NGT order.
