Question : ALIGNMENT OF NHS

(a) the criteria to be fixed for alignment of National Highways (NHs) in the country;

(b) whether the Government has received complaints regarding alignment of National Highways for which land has been acquired in various parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken on such complaints;

(d) whether there is any rule to change the alignment of the NHs in order to protect the fertile land and trees;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the details of the steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS(SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a) Alignment of National Highways for upgradation is decided on the basis of operational requirement of road, geometrics, need of bypass and necessity to avoid congested places along the existing route and specific site requirements. Various parameters like safety and serviceability, displacement of persons, wildlife/ environmental impact, utility shifting etc. are given due consideration in fixing the alignment.

(b) No, Sir. However, requests for change of alignment in some specific cases are received from the public as well as from people’s representatives, from time to time.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) No, Sir.

(e) Does not arise.

(f) All possible efforts are made to avoid use of the fertile land and avoid felling of trees while fixing alignment of National Highways.