Nagpur: India National Highway Authority (NHAI) began working on four 49km Freti-Katol segment lanings from NH-353J by cutting down many trees.
More than 7,500 trees are arranged to be accessed for projects in the fields of forest and non-forest.
Even when the project will benefit travelers, Greens has voiced worries over the great logging of large trees planted during the Raj era.
“These trees can be saved,” said Green Crusader Anasuya Kale-Chhabrani.
The estimated project costs are 1,200 crores rs and are expected to be completed in two years.
This is one of the main links that connect three state highways and will ensure smooth intrastic connectivity of Nagpur-Kalmeshwar-Cathol-Warud-Amravati and further towards Madhya Pradesh.
On January 2, the Minister of Transportation and Jalan Raya Nitin Gadkari had launched the start of road work after the Aurangabad-based contractor quickly began to cut down trees with the help of saws.
After the project completion, the travel time between Nagpur-Katol will be cut by 50%.
Citing a circular issued by the mortar on May 10, 2018, to the state and road institution, Chhabrani said, “For the streets developed from two paths to four lines, and where the passenger car (PCUS) is between 5,000-10,000, Then these projects must be carried out in a way that the impact of the utility shift and logging of trees can only be on the right side of the road (row).
“” For the current Katol Road project, even when the land acquisition is carried out after issuing guidelines, Morth direction is not followed .
had been considered, thousands of trees will be saved.
We are not against development but look into the track record compensation plantation NHAI, the authority should set an example by planting trees first and then cut, “said Chhabrani.
However, the NHAI Abhijeet project director Jichkar said, “We will plant trees in lieu of the roadside.
Secondly, the project requires 14.07 hectares of forest land where around 3,800 trees will be cut.
Afforestation compensation for the trees cut down conducted on more than 28 hectares of land in the village of Bramuni and Davha in Umred.
“Explain the failure of the plantation by Nhai, the Green Activist Sharad Paliwal said,” While signing an agreement, Nhai mentioned the work of plantations but did not take a certain amount for it.
However, the contractor signed Contracts by quoting the level below the number of tenders.
They set the standard but do not uphold it.
“” In accordance with the agreement in the construction format of engineering procurement (EPC), the contractor must plant trees according to the Guidelines for the Indian Road Congress (IRC).
On average, NHAI requires at least RS 3,500 to plant one tree (including tree guards) with three years of maintenance, tet The NHAI API offers 1,860 rates per tree only.
This is the main reason why plantations fail, “Chhabrani said.
Chhabrani said that Nhai had to give up the plantation to work on the highway to the Social Forestry Department (SFD) or must form the National Highways Plantation Authority (NTHTPA) under each project director.
Even the minister Nitin Gadkari who is serious about the plantation and hence accountability must be improved.
Expand the road network * Estimated Project Costs: RS 1,200 CR * Forest Land Transferred: 14.07 Hectares * Trees (Forest & Non-Forest) To be cut: 7500 * 13 Underpass Vehicle, Road 40km service * 4-Laning PAVED shoulder configuration