Pune: NGT Orders NHAI to Pay Rs 23 Crores for Tree Replantation on Pune-Nashik Highway
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to compensate the forest department with Rs. 23.41 crores for the trees cut down during the Pune-Nashik highway construction. Initiated in 2017, the highway project led to the felling of thousands of trees, sparking environmental concerns and activism.
Ganesh Borhade, an environmental activist from Ahmednagar, raised the issue after noticing discrepancies in the NHAI’s claims of having replanted trees. Despite assurances provided in response to an RTI query, on-ground verification revealed no substantial tree replantation, prompting Borhade to approach the NGT four years ago.
This financial compensation is allocated for the forest department to undertake extensive reforestation in the areas affected by the highway’s construction. The NGT’s order, passed on February 12, requires the NHAI to deposit the amount into the forest department’s account within a month. The next hearing is scheduled for April 10, 2024, to monitor the progress of this initiative.
Vivek Khandekar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, highlighted plans for immediate plantation across three divisions upon receipt of the funds, with irrigation provisions ensuring tree growth until the monsoon. Over 2,000 trees were reported to have been felled on just the Sangamner stretch, with the total number of trees affected by the project being significantly higher. The NGT has proposed an ambitious replanting initiative, aiming to plant ten trees for every one that was cut down, signaling a strong move towards environmental restoration.
