Mohali's Road to Progress: Balancing Development and Environmental Concerns
January 2, 2025, 9:55 pm
Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1988
Total raised: $4.83B
In the heart of Mohali, a significant transformation is underway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken possession of land for seven major highway projects. This is a monumental step, a leap towards modern infrastructure. The district administration has successfully acquired approximately 588.70 hectares of land, impacting thousands of landowners. A staggering Rs 19.51 billion has been distributed to 6,650 landowners, a financial lifeline for many.
These projects are not just roads; they are arteries of growth. The IT City-Kurali Greenfield Corridor, Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Corridor, and others promise to connect communities and boost the economy. However, this progress comes with a caveat. The road to development is often bumpy, marked by challenges and resistance.
Farmers' protests have loomed large over these projects. Land acquisition is a sensitive issue, often leading to conflicts. In Punjab, this has been particularly pronounced. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's threats to cancel delayed projects underscore the urgency of the situation. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting.
The largest project, the IT City Chowk-Kharar-Kurali corridor, spans 215 hectares. It affects 2,200 landowners, a testament to the scale of this endeavor. Meanwhile, the Ambala-Chandigarh corridor has impacted 2,500 landowners across 28 villages. The sheer number of lives affected is staggering.
Yet, amidst this push for progress, a different voice is rising. The Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha, a society dedicated to environmental protection, is calling for the enforcement of the Green Highways Policy. This policy, established in 2015, mandates that environmental safeguards be integrated into highway projects. The society argues that the rapid expansion of highways has led to significant ecological damage. Over the last decade, 30,000 km of highways have been widened, resulting in the loss of countless trees.
The society's concerns are not unfounded. With 1,16,000 km of highway expansion projects still pending, the potential for further environmental degradation looms large. They are not just passive observers; they are ready to act. Legal action through the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is on the table if compliance with the Green Highways Policy is not ensured.
The policy requires the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) to appoint agencies for tree translocation and plantation. It also mandates that 1% of the project cost be allocated to a green fund. Specialized contractors must be hired for tree planting and translocation, adhering to strict standards and timelines.
However, the society's recent review of ongoing projects revealed a troubling lack of adherence to these guidelines. They found no evidence of compliance in three significant projects. This prompted them to send a letter to the NHAI, urging immediate action. When the NHAI failed to respond, the society escalated the matter to the NGT. The tribunal has since directed MORTH to address these concerns and ensure compliance.
The NGT's recommendations include the establishment of an independent monitoring committee and periodic compliance reports. The society is advocating for strict penalties against violators and a clear timeline for implementing the NGT's orders.
This tug-of-war between development and environmental preservation is not unique to Mohali. It reflects a broader national dilemma. Infrastructure development is essential for economic growth, yet it often comes at a cost to the environment. The challenge lies in finding a balance.
As Mohali embarks on this journey of transformation, it must heed the lessons of the past. Development should not come at the expense of nature. The voices of the community, both for progress and preservation, must be heard.
The NHAI has a responsibility. It must ensure that projects are not only efficient but also sustainable. The Green Highways Policy is not just a guideline; it is a necessity. The future of Mohali depends on it.
In conclusion, Mohali stands at a crossroads. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but it also holds immense potential. With careful planning and adherence to environmental safeguards, the district can pave the way for a brighter, greener future. The road ahead is long, but with commitment and collaboration, it can lead to prosperity for all.
These projects are not just roads; they are arteries of growth. The IT City-Kurali Greenfield Corridor, Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Corridor, and others promise to connect communities and boost the economy. However, this progress comes with a caveat. The road to development is often bumpy, marked by challenges and resistance.
Farmers' protests have loomed large over these projects. Land acquisition is a sensitive issue, often leading to conflicts. In Punjab, this has been particularly pronounced. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's threats to cancel delayed projects underscore the urgency of the situation. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting.
The largest project, the IT City Chowk-Kharar-Kurali corridor, spans 215 hectares. It affects 2,200 landowners, a testament to the scale of this endeavor. Meanwhile, the Ambala-Chandigarh corridor has impacted 2,500 landowners across 28 villages. The sheer number of lives affected is staggering.
Yet, amidst this push for progress, a different voice is rising. The Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha, a society dedicated to environmental protection, is calling for the enforcement of the Green Highways Policy. This policy, established in 2015, mandates that environmental safeguards be integrated into highway projects. The society argues that the rapid expansion of highways has led to significant ecological damage. Over the last decade, 30,000 km of highways have been widened, resulting in the loss of countless trees.
The society's concerns are not unfounded. With 1,16,000 km of highway expansion projects still pending, the potential for further environmental degradation looms large. They are not just passive observers; they are ready to act. Legal action through the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is on the table if compliance with the Green Highways Policy is not ensured.
The policy requires the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) to appoint agencies for tree translocation and plantation. It also mandates that 1% of the project cost be allocated to a green fund. Specialized contractors must be hired for tree planting and translocation, adhering to strict standards and timelines.
However, the society's recent review of ongoing projects revealed a troubling lack of adherence to these guidelines. They found no evidence of compliance in three significant projects. This prompted them to send a letter to the NHAI, urging immediate action. When the NHAI failed to respond, the society escalated the matter to the NGT. The tribunal has since directed MORTH to address these concerns and ensure compliance.
The NGT's recommendations include the establishment of an independent monitoring committee and periodic compliance reports. The society is advocating for strict penalties against violators and a clear timeline for implementing the NGT's orders.
This tug-of-war between development and environmental preservation is not unique to Mohali. It reflects a broader national dilemma. Infrastructure development is essential for economic growth, yet it often comes at a cost to the environment. The challenge lies in finding a balance.
As Mohali embarks on this journey of transformation, it must heed the lessons of the past. Development should not come at the expense of nature. The voices of the community, both for progress and preservation, must be heard.
The NHAI has a responsibility. It must ensure that projects are not only efficient but also sustainable. The Green Highways Policy is not just a guideline; it is a necessity. The future of Mohali depends on it.
In conclusion, Mohali stands at a crossroads. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but it also holds immense potential. With careful planning and adherence to environmental safeguards, the district can pave the way for a brighter, greener future. The road ahead is long, but with commitment and collaboration, it can lead to prosperity for all.