Green Highways: A Path to Sustainable Infrastructure
January 2, 2025, 9:55 pm
Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1988
Total raised: $4.83B
In the sprawling landscape of India, highways stretch like veins, connecting cities and communities. But beneath this network lies a pressing concern: the environment. The call for a Green Highways Policy is more than a plea; it’s a necessity. The Society for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change has raised the alarm. They demand the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) enforce the Green Highways Policy established in 2015. This policy mandates environmental safeguards in highway projects.
Over the past decade, the expansion of highways has led to the loss of countless trees. A staggering 30,000 kilometers of highways have been widened, leaving scars on the landscape. The society’s secretary highlights a grim reality: 116,000 kilometers of highway expansion projects are still pending. Without adherence to the Green Highways Policy, these projects threaten to unleash further environmental devastation.
The Green Highways Policy is not just a set of guidelines; it’s a lifeline for the environment. It requires the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) to appoint agencies for tree translocation and plantation. It also mandates that 1% of project costs be allocated to a green fund. Specialized contractors must be hired to ensure that tree planting and translocation meet established standards.
However, recent inspections of ongoing projects have revealed a troubling trend. The society reviewed three major projects and found no evidence of compliance with the Green Highways Policy. This oversight is alarming. It signals a disregard for environmental responsibility in the face of rapid infrastructure development. The society’s response was swift. They sent a letter to the NHAI, urging compliance. When silence followed, they escalated the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The NGT responded decisively. On December 16, it directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to address the compliance issues. An independent monitoring committee was recommended, along with periodic compliance reports. This is a step in the right direction, but the society demands more. They are calling for strict penalties against violators and a clear timeline for implementing the NGT's orders.
This situation reflects a broader issue in India’s infrastructure development. The country is undergoing rapid urbanization, and with it comes the challenge of balancing growth with environmental sustainability. The government has set ambitious targets for infrastructure enhancement, but these must not come at the cost of the environment.
Road safety is another critical aspect of this discussion. India faces a staggering road safety crisis, with approximately 178,000 lives lost annually due to accidents. The majority of these fatalities involve young adults aged 18 to 34. The government has set a target to reduce road accident fatalities by 50% by 2030. Achieving this goal requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency care.
Innovations in infrastructure play a pivotal role in enhancing road safety. The NHAI is implementing advanced technologies, such as AI-powered Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs). These vehicles monitor road conditions and respond to emergencies, detecting hazards like potholes and cracks. Projects like iRASTE aim to reimagine road safety through predictive analytics.
However, technology alone cannot solve the problem. A cultural shift is necessary. Public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating citizens about the dangers of reckless driving. Enforcement of traffic laws is equally important. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 24 crore e-challans were issued for traffic violations. This robust enforcement serves as both a punishment and a deterrent.
The government is also focusing on emergency care. Rapid response teams and emergency medical services are being integrated into the road safety framework. This ensures timely assistance for accident victims, potentially saving lives.
The vision for a safer future is clear. It involves a commitment to infrastructure enhancements, technological integration, and behavioral change. By strengthening the pillars of road safety and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, India can pave the way for significant improvements.
The intersection of road safety and environmental sustainability is critical. As highways expand, so too must our commitment to preserving the environment. The Green Highways Policy is a vital tool in this endeavor. It is not merely a guideline; it is a commitment to future generations.
In conclusion, the path forward is fraught with challenges. But with concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and citizens, India can create a sustainable and safe infrastructure. The road ahead may be long, but it is a journey worth taking. By prioritizing green initiatives and road safety, we can ensure that our highways serve as conduits for progress, not destruction. The call for action is clear. It’s time to enforce the Green Highways Policy and build a future where infrastructure and nature coexist harmoniously.
Over the past decade, the expansion of highways has led to the loss of countless trees. A staggering 30,000 kilometers of highways have been widened, leaving scars on the landscape. The society’s secretary highlights a grim reality: 116,000 kilometers of highway expansion projects are still pending. Without adherence to the Green Highways Policy, these projects threaten to unleash further environmental devastation.
The Green Highways Policy is not just a set of guidelines; it’s a lifeline for the environment. It requires the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) to appoint agencies for tree translocation and plantation. It also mandates that 1% of project costs be allocated to a green fund. Specialized contractors must be hired to ensure that tree planting and translocation meet established standards.
However, recent inspections of ongoing projects have revealed a troubling trend. The society reviewed three major projects and found no evidence of compliance with the Green Highways Policy. This oversight is alarming. It signals a disregard for environmental responsibility in the face of rapid infrastructure development. The society’s response was swift. They sent a letter to the NHAI, urging compliance. When silence followed, they escalated the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The NGT responded decisively. On December 16, it directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to address the compliance issues. An independent monitoring committee was recommended, along with periodic compliance reports. This is a step in the right direction, but the society demands more. They are calling for strict penalties against violators and a clear timeline for implementing the NGT's orders.
This situation reflects a broader issue in India’s infrastructure development. The country is undergoing rapid urbanization, and with it comes the challenge of balancing growth with environmental sustainability. The government has set ambitious targets for infrastructure enhancement, but these must not come at the cost of the environment.
Road safety is another critical aspect of this discussion. India faces a staggering road safety crisis, with approximately 178,000 lives lost annually due to accidents. The majority of these fatalities involve young adults aged 18 to 34. The government has set a target to reduce road accident fatalities by 50% by 2030. Achieving this goal requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency care.
Innovations in infrastructure play a pivotal role in enhancing road safety. The NHAI is implementing advanced technologies, such as AI-powered Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs). These vehicles monitor road conditions and respond to emergencies, detecting hazards like potholes and cracks. Projects like iRASTE aim to reimagine road safety through predictive analytics.
However, technology alone cannot solve the problem. A cultural shift is necessary. Public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating citizens about the dangers of reckless driving. Enforcement of traffic laws is equally important. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 24 crore e-challans were issued for traffic violations. This robust enforcement serves as both a punishment and a deterrent.
The government is also focusing on emergency care. Rapid response teams and emergency medical services are being integrated into the road safety framework. This ensures timely assistance for accident victims, potentially saving lives.
The vision for a safer future is clear. It involves a commitment to infrastructure enhancements, technological integration, and behavioral change. By strengthening the pillars of road safety and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, India can pave the way for significant improvements.
The intersection of road safety and environmental sustainability is critical. As highways expand, so too must our commitment to preserving the environment. The Green Highways Policy is a vital tool in this endeavor. It is not merely a guideline; it is a commitment to future generations.
In conclusion, the path forward is fraught with challenges. But with concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and citizens, India can create a sustainable and safe infrastructure. The road ahead may be long, but it is a journey worth taking. By prioritizing green initiatives and road safety, we can ensure that our highways serve as conduits for progress, not destruction. The call for action is clear. It’s time to enforce the Green Highways Policy and build a future where infrastructure and nature coexist harmoniously.