The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a firm stance on environmental compliance, directing both the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Punjab state government to urgently address a substantial deficit in compensatory tree plantations. This directive comes in response to concerns over the environmental impact of highway construction projects across the state.
Judicial Intervention for Environmental Balance
The High Court's intervention highlights a critical gap in fulfilling mandatory afforestation requirements linked to infrastructure development. Under environmental laws, projects that involve the felling of trees for construction, such as highways, must compensate by planting a specified number of trees elsewhere to maintain ecological balance.
Deficit in Compensatory Plantations
Reports indicate that there is a significant shortfall in these compensatory plantations along various national highways in Punjab. The court has emphasized that this deficit undermines efforts to mitigate deforestation and its adverse effects on air quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience in the region.
Responsibilities of NHAI and State Government
The High Court has delineated clear responsibilities for both the NHAI and the Punjab government. The NHAI, as the authority overseeing national highway projects, is tasked with ensuring that compensatory afforestation is carried out as per legal mandates. Meanwhile, the state government must facilitate and monitor these efforts, providing necessary support and land for plantation activities.
Immediate Actions Required
The court has called for immediate measures to bridge the plantation gap, including:
- Conducting a comprehensive audit of tree felling and compensatory planting along highways.
- Developing a time-bound action plan to achieve the required plantation targets.
- Enhancing coordination between NHAI and state agencies to streamline afforestation efforts.
Broader Environmental Implications
This directive is part of a broader judicial effort to enforce environmental laws in Punjab, a state grappling with issues like air pollution and declining green cover. By addressing the tree plantation deficit, the High Court aims to promote sustainable development and ensure that infrastructure growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
The case underscores the importance of accountability in environmental governance, setting a precedent for other states and authorities to follow suit in complying with afforestation norms. Stakeholders, including environmental groups, have welcomed the court's move, hoping it will lead to tangible improvements in Punjab's green infrastructure.
