As a policy barest minimum number of trees are felled in marginal strip of land for implementation of the National Highways Projects. Many times, Right of Way (ROW) is reduced to ensure that bare minimum number of trees are felled. No major impact on Environment has been reported so far, due to National Highways Projects. There might be marginal positive impact on environment as more trees are planted in lieu of felled trees. The ministry has also taken a decision to utilize technology and expertise to transplant tree in place of telling them. This work is in progress.
Trees planted are many more in lieu of the trees felled. Additionally, avenue plantation and median plantation are included in highway projects depending upon availability of ROW and cross-sectional configuration.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
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MJPS