Ranchi News: The Jharkhand High Court on its own motion heard a case related to large-scale tree felling during the widening of the Hazaribagh–Barhi (NH-33) road. During the hearing, the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) appeared in person before the court.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar.
Claim of Plantation Over Five Years
The court questioned the NHAI Project Director regarding the number of saplings purchased and the total expenditure incurred on plantation along the Hazaribagh–Barhi stretch over the last five years. In response, NHAI informed the court that around 20,000 saplings were planted along the roadside at a cost of approximately ₹8 crore.
Allegation of Including Wild Plants in Records
Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Indrajeet Samanta alleged that NHAI had included naturally grown wild plants in its plantation records. He contended that the actual number of saplings planted was far less than claimed. He further submitted that proper care and maintenance of planted saplings were not ensured, leading to most of them drying up.
Questions Raised on Compliance with NHAI Policy
It was also pointed out during the hearing that NHAI’s policy mandates involvement of local communities and NGOs in the protection of planted saplings. However, no concrete steps were taken in this direction. The petitioner argued that if local species such as peepal and mahua were planted, villagers themselves would protect them and prevent felling. Responsibility for protection could be entrusted to local residents.
Affidavit Sought on Local Participation
After hearing the matter, the High Court directed the NHAI Regional Officer to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken so far to involve local people in the protection and maintenance of saplings planted along the national highway. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 7 January 2026.
Five-Member Committee Formed for Site Inspection
Earlier, the High Court had constituted a five-member committee to conduct a site inspection and submit a report. The committee was tasked with verifying how many saplings were planted along NH-33, their present condition, species-wise details, and whether they are suitable for the local environment.
0 Comments