The Road to Sustainability: A Call for Green Highways in India
January 2, 2025, 9:55 pm
Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1988
Total raised: $4.83B
In the world of highways, progress often comes at a cost. The asphalt spreads like a dark shadow over nature, swallowing trees and wildlife. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) stands at a crossroads. On one side lies the promise of development; on the other, the urgent need for environmental stewardship. The Society for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change has raised a clarion call for the enforcement of the Green Highways Policy. This policy, introduced in 2015, is a lifeline for our beleaguered ecosystems.
Over the past decade, India has seen a massive expansion of its highway network. Thirty thousand kilometers of roads have been widened and reinforced. Each inch gained has come with a heavy toll on the environment. Trees, once standing tall, have been felled to make way for concrete. The society's secretary, Benedict Fernandes, paints a grim picture. With 116,000 kilometers of highway expansion still pending, the stakes are high. The potential for further environmental degradation looms large.
The Green Highways Policy is not just a piece of paper. It mandates that the NHAI incorporate environmental safeguards into highway projects. This includes appointing agencies for tree translocation and plantation, allocating 1% of project costs to a green fund, and hiring specialized contractors for tree planting. These measures are essential. They are the roots that can help heal the wounds inflicted by development.
However, the society's recent review of ongoing projects tells a different story. The four-laning of the Sanur to Bikarnakatte section, the removal of blackspots, and the construction of an overpass have all been scrutinized. The findings? A glaring absence of adherence to the Green Highways Policy. The society's frustration is palpable. They sent a letter to the NHAI, urging compliance. When silence followed, they escalated the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The NGT's response was a glimmer of hope. They directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to ensure compliance with the policy. An independent monitoring committee was recommended, along with periodic compliance reports. This is a step in the right direction. However, the society demands more. They want strict penalties for violators and a clear timeline for implementing the NGT's orders. Without accountability, policies are mere words.
Meanwhile, the infrastructure landscape is buzzing with activity. Four giants—IRB Infrastructure Developers, Epic Concessions, Adani Roads, and PATH—are vying for the TOT Bundle 15. This 124-km stretch of the Trichy-Tovrankurichi-Madurai section is under the toll-operate-transfer model. Here, private entities are granted the right to operate and maintain national highway assets for 15 to 30 years. It’s a lucrative deal, but it raises questions. Will these companies prioritize profit over the environment?
The NHAI is set to assess technical bids before moving on to financial evaluations. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. The government has identified 86 stretches for monetization, covering nearly 4,912 kilometers. This is a significant move, having raised over Rs 1 lakh crore through asset monetization. But at what cost?
The infrastructure boom must not come at the expense of our natural heritage. The balance between development and conservation is delicate. The Green Highways Policy is a tool, but it requires enforcement. The society's vigilance is crucial. They are the watchdogs, ready to pounce on any violations. Their commitment to monitor current and future projects is commendable. They are the guardians of our green spaces.
As the NHAI prepares to award contracts, the pressure mounts. Will they prioritize environmental compliance? Or will the allure of profit overshadow the need for sustainability? The answer lies in their actions. The society's call for compliance is not just a plea; it is a demand for accountability.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. The NHAI must navigate the complexities of development while safeguarding the environment. The Green Highways Policy is a beacon of hope. It offers a framework for sustainable development. But it requires commitment and action.
In conclusion, the intersection of infrastructure and environment is critical. The Green Highways Policy is not merely a guideline; it is a necessity. The society's efforts to enforce it are vital. They remind us that development should not come at the expense of our planet. The future of our highways must be green. It is time for the NHAI to take the wheel and steer towards sustainability. The journey may be long, but the destination is worth it. A greener highway is a road to a brighter future.
Over the past decade, India has seen a massive expansion of its highway network. Thirty thousand kilometers of roads have been widened and reinforced. Each inch gained has come with a heavy toll on the environment. Trees, once standing tall, have been felled to make way for concrete. The society's secretary, Benedict Fernandes, paints a grim picture. With 116,000 kilometers of highway expansion still pending, the stakes are high. The potential for further environmental degradation looms large.
The Green Highways Policy is not just a piece of paper. It mandates that the NHAI incorporate environmental safeguards into highway projects. This includes appointing agencies for tree translocation and plantation, allocating 1% of project costs to a green fund, and hiring specialized contractors for tree planting. These measures are essential. They are the roots that can help heal the wounds inflicted by development.
However, the society's recent review of ongoing projects tells a different story. The four-laning of the Sanur to Bikarnakatte section, the removal of blackspots, and the construction of an overpass have all been scrutinized. The findings? A glaring absence of adherence to the Green Highways Policy. The society's frustration is palpable. They sent a letter to the NHAI, urging compliance. When silence followed, they escalated the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The NGT's response was a glimmer of hope. They directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to ensure compliance with the policy. An independent monitoring committee was recommended, along with periodic compliance reports. This is a step in the right direction. However, the society demands more. They want strict penalties for violators and a clear timeline for implementing the NGT's orders. Without accountability, policies are mere words.
Meanwhile, the infrastructure landscape is buzzing with activity. Four giants—IRB Infrastructure Developers, Epic Concessions, Adani Roads, and PATH—are vying for the TOT Bundle 15. This 124-km stretch of the Trichy-Tovrankurichi-Madurai section is under the toll-operate-transfer model. Here, private entities are granted the right to operate and maintain national highway assets for 15 to 30 years. It’s a lucrative deal, but it raises questions. Will these companies prioritize profit over the environment?
The NHAI is set to assess technical bids before moving on to financial evaluations. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. The government has identified 86 stretches for monetization, covering nearly 4,912 kilometers. This is a significant move, having raised over Rs 1 lakh crore through asset monetization. But at what cost?
The infrastructure boom must not come at the expense of our natural heritage. The balance between development and conservation is delicate. The Green Highways Policy is a tool, but it requires enforcement. The society's vigilance is crucial. They are the watchdogs, ready to pounce on any violations. Their commitment to monitor current and future projects is commendable. They are the guardians of our green spaces.
As the NHAI prepares to award contracts, the pressure mounts. Will they prioritize environmental compliance? Or will the allure of profit overshadow the need for sustainability? The answer lies in their actions. The society's call for compliance is not just a plea; it is a demand for accountability.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. The NHAI must navigate the complexities of development while safeguarding the environment. The Green Highways Policy is a beacon of hope. It offers a framework for sustainable development. But it requires commitment and action.
In conclusion, the intersection of infrastructure and environment is critical. The Green Highways Policy is not merely a guideline; it is a necessity. The society's efforts to enforce it are vital. They remind us that development should not come at the expense of our planet. The future of our highways must be green. It is time for the NHAI to take the wheel and steer towards sustainability. The journey may be long, but the destination is worth it. A greener highway is a road to a brighter future.