(a) whether the Government has any proposal for mandatory plantation drive along all the National Highways in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof Statewise;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the details of mechanism set up to monitor the above proposal, if any?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)
(a) & (c) Madam, there is no separate proposal of Government for mandatory plantation drive along all the National Highways in the country. However, as per the provisions of IRC:SP:21:2009 and National Highways (Plantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy, 2015, development of green belts in the form of median and avenue plantation is carried out in available space in Right of Way (ROW).
Further, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also deposits funds to forest departments for carrying out roadside plantation in compliance of the conditions stipulated by the statutory authorities, while granting permission for felling of trees/ diversion of forest land.
(d) For plantation done under the provisions of IRC:SP:21:2009 and National Highways (Plantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy 2015, monitoring is done by NHAI Regional Offices/Project Implementation Units (PIUs) at field level and Environment Division at Head Quarter’s level. Independent Engineers/ Supervision Consultants are also responsible for monitoring the plantation activities in the project.
*****