Question : Plantation of Trees along National Highways

(a) whether it is mandatory to plant adequate number of trees along the newly constructed National Highways as part of the projects and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to plant 125 crore trees along the NHs during the next five years and if so, the number of trees planted so far in the country especially in Maharashtra;

(c) whether the Government has formulated any plan to involve NGOs for nurturing these planted saplings to increase their survival rate and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the action taken/ being taken by the Government against the road construction companies which do not plant trees as per the Government policy?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. Avenue and median plantation is an integral part of the project. The plantation is carried out as per IRC:SP:21:2009 and Green Highways Policy, 2015 on available ROW through contractor as BOQ item. This is also carried out through forest department as deposit work and also competitive bidding through private agencies wherein the stretch is not under the scope of contract. NHAI planted more than 1.43 crore trees under its jurisdiction in the country including the State of Maharashtra, during the last three years including the current financial year.
(c) & (d) Green Highways Policy, 2015 promotes greening of Highway corridors with participation of the community, farmers, private sector, NGOs, government agencies and the Forest Department. The issues/disputes are being dealt as per contract agreement with contractors.
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