In a significant ruling, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench has mandated the National Highway Authority Of India (NHAI) to pay Rs. 23.41 crore to the forest department for tree replantation work related to the construction of the Pune-Nashik highway.
The Nashik-Pune Highway, which came into existence in 2017, witnessed a commitment from NHAI to replant trees that were felled during the construction process. However, an environmental activist, Ganesh Borhade from Ahmednagar, brought to light the failure in fulfilling this promise. He expressed, “NHAI officials, in response to an RTI query, claimed to have completed the replantation. When we cross-verified the list, there was no evidence on the ground. Hence, I approached NGT four years ago.”
The NGT ruling directs NHAI to deposit the specified amount into the forest department’s account within a month of the order issued on February 12. The case was initially filed by Ganesh Borhade, and the next hearing is scheduled for April 10, 2024. The Sangamner stretch alone witnessed the felling of over 2000 trees, and the entire Pune-Nashik Highway accounts for even more.
Vivek Khandekar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, stated, “Once funds are received, we will simultaneously start plantation activities in all three divisions. Provision for irrigation will ensure proper watering of trees until the Monsoon.” The forest department plans to undertake extensive reforestation efforts to compensate for the loss caused by the construction.
To further offset the environmental impact, NGT has mandated the planting of 10 trees for every 1 tree felled during the construction of the Pune-Nashik Highway.
