Maharashtras Green Cover Shrinks As 3L Trees Axed For Samruddhi Highway
Maharashtra’s ambitious highway expansion faces environmental scrutiny as legislative concerns emerge regarding extensive tree felling. Over 3 lakh trees were reportedly removed for the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Highway alone, with significant numbers across other key routes. This widespread deforestation has prompted a government inquiry into compensatory plantation efforts and survival rates, highlighting the critical balance between infrastructure development and the imperative for zero net carbon, eco-friendly urbanisation.
The scale of tree removal across Maharashtra’s vital transport corridors has drawn sharp criticism, with figures indicating a substantial ecological impact. Beyond the 3 lakh trees cited for the Samruddhi Highway, reports suggest 2 lakh trees were felled along the Ratnagiri-Nagpur Highway, 35,000 for the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, 12,000 along the Pune-Bangalore Road, and 1,400 on the Kolhapur-Kale Road. This extensive loss of mature green cover is raising alarms among environmental advocates, who argue that such actions contribute to environmental degradation and could adversely affect the state’s ecological balance and public health. Concerns are mounting that unchecked deforestation could disrupt natural ecosystems, causing distress to both local communities and wildlife.
In response to these pressing concerns, the Public Works Department has announced a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations. The investigation will meticulously examine all highways to ascertain the exact number of trees planted as compensation for those felled and, crucially, their survival rates. While authorities maintain that all tree removals for infrastructure development were conducted with requisite permissions and adhered to legal frameworks, the focus has now unequivocally shifted towards ensuring the efficacy of compensatory afforestation. Existing regulations mandate the planting of ten new trees for every one removed during road projects, a condition now rigorously integrated into project tenders to enforce compliance.
Furthermore, the government is implementing a revised, multi-stage funding mechanism for tree plantation, moving away from the previous Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model. Funds will now be disbursed only after the successful completion of each of the five designated plantation stages, thereby incentivising contractors to prioritise long-term tree survival. This strategic shift aims to enhance accountability and ensure that greening initiatives yield tangible environmental benefits. Efforts are also underway to replant uprooted trees, with numerous successful transplantations already reported, demonstrating a commitment to preserving existing biodiversity wherever feasible.
To bolster oversight and ensure the longevity of these green investments, geo-tagging technology is being deployed to precisely monitor planted trees. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be leveraged to track data on the trees’ health and growth, providing real-time insights into the success of the afforestation efforts. Contractors found to be non-compliant with plantation norms are facing penalties, and going forward, they will bear explicit responsibility for the survival of the newly planted trees. This multifaceted approach underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to balancing essential infrastructure development with robust environmental stewardship, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for its citizens.
