The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recorded fresh compliance steps in a matter concerning restoration and protection works on stretches of National Highway 34 in Uttarakhand. The tribunal kept the issue of compensatory plantation open for further disclosure by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Background of the Case
In its order, the principal bench noted its earlier direction of January 2, 2025, under which the NGT fixed responsibility on BRO for restoration work. The tribunal sought full details of restoration, including plantation, implementing agency details, and status of release of funds. NH34 starts at Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand and passes through Uttarkashi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Kanpur, and ends at Lakhnadon in Madhya Pradesh.
BRO's Compliance Affidavit
According to the reply affidavit filed by BRO on March 30, the agency formally took over charge and responsibility for multiple stretches from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL). These included three completed stretches at Barethi and Nalupani, where defect liability periods had already ended. The Landslide Protection Gallery (Open Tunnel) at Barethi was taken over on December 2, 2025, after contractual issues were resolved.
BRO told the NGT that it moved quickly after the handover and pursued a detailed project report for landslide treatment works at Barethi and Poku Devta/Matli. The affidavit stated that respondent NHIDCL, via a letter of December 26, 2025, treated four landslide locations on the Gangotri-Rishikesh section of NH34 under EPC mode at a total cost of Rs 113.1 crore. BRO said tendering had been initiated on a war footing and that financial bids were scheduled to be opened on March 30.
Timeline for Completion
BRO undertook to complete the entire restoration and protection work within a year from issuance of the letter of acceptance to the successful contractor. It also informed the NGT that maintenance of the handed-over stretches was continuing through available general maintenance funds, while sanction for comprehensive maintenance remained under process.
Ecological Restoration Measures
On ecological restoration, the affidavit said the sanctioned DPR includes compensatory plantation and slope stabilisation through bio-engineering measures such as geo-jute and seed spraying of Lemon Grass, Dedonia, and Vetiver. The NGT recorded BRO's submission that a further affidavit specifically covering plantation would be filed within two weeks. The tribunal allowed the applicant to file a rejoinder within four weeks and listed the matter for final hearing on July 20.
