In the process of upgrading NH-31 to a four-lane highway, renamed NH-20, thousands of trees were uprooted by Gawar Construction Company. Despite efforts to replant these trees using advanced machinery, none have survived, leading to a significant loss of roadside greenery and posing a serious threat to the environment.
Pedestrians now face the scorching heat without any shade, highlighting the critical role of trees in maintaining ecological balance. The absence of trees is not just an inconvenience but a grave environmental concern. Trees are vital, providing approximately 230 liters of oxygen daily and helping to regulate temperatures, often lowering them by three to four degrees in areas with dense tree cover. Their importance in combating global warming cannot be overstated.
The Supreme Court recently highlighted the value of trees in a special report, estimating the annual worth of a single tree at Rs 74,500, factoring in the oxygen produced and other environmental benefits. Older trees are even more valuable, emphasizing the need for conservation.
From Rajauli to Nishik, a plan to plant 8,000 trees has seen only 300 actually planted. This shortfall exacerbates the environmental impact of the construction. The company responsible, Gawar Construction, has been criticized for their handling of the project. Manager RK Tripathi claimed that tree felling was conducted under an NOC from the Forest Department and that the company was forced by NHAI to cut and attempt to replant the trees without compensation. He assured that efforts to plant new trees are ongoing, with pits being prepared and planting set to intensify with the onset of the monsoon. However, his responses to further questions were vague, referencing an agreement between the Forest Department and NHAI.
This situation underscores the need for stricter regulations to minimize environmental damage in infrastructure projects. The Supreme Court has indicated it may consider setting such rules, ensuring that future projects like highway widening do not devastate the environment.
The urgency of reforestation and the preservation of existing trees cannot be overstated, as both human and ecological health depend on it. The ongoing failure to address these issues adequately is a stark reminder of the cost of neglecting our natural resources.