'Save Banyans of Chevella': NHAI directed to conduct EIA, minimize tree felling for road expansion
The NGT's judgment draws attention to the Chevella region, which is home to nearly 1000 rare, century-old Banyan trees, along with thousands of other trees
By Anoushka Caroline Williams Published on 7 Nov 2023 5:03 AM GMT
Hyderabad: A southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with the explicit purpose of minimizing tree-cutting before proceeding further with road expansion.
NGT was adjudicating the petition filed by the citizens' action group `Save Banyans of Chevella’.
The Tribunal has underscored the importance of balancing road expansion with environmental preservation.
The NGT's judgment draws attention to the Chevella region, which is home to nearly 1000 rare, century-old Banyan trees, along with thousands of other trees. It chastises NHAI for failing to consider alternatives and innovative solutions to protect the Chevella Banyans. NHAI had repeatedly declined to re-align the road or bypass the trees to safeguard more of them, neglecting their responsibility to "analyze rigorously all reasonable alternatives."
Quoting from various Indian and international case law, the Tribunal emphasizes the "sense of urgency" in protecting the environment and urges NHAI to consider the social, economic, and environmental consequences of cutting trees. The judgment lists the diverse benefits of roadside trees in general and the Banyan tree, highlighting their ecological importance.
Furthermore, the NGT has directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests to issue terms of reference to complete an EIA within four months, ensuring a thorough assessment of the environmental impact.
Save Chevella Banyans along with Nature Lovers of Hyderabad welcomed the NGT's judgment. The judgment has instilled new hope among citizen groups and individuals who are committed to saving trees from indiscriminate destruction.
