NHAI, Forest Department asked to ensure proper plantation along NH-33

Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Forest Department to take appropriate measures to ensure proper plantation and protection of saplings along the Hazaribagh-Barhi stretch of NH-33, where trees were felled during road widening.

A division bench of Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Manoj Prasad stressed that adequate distance must be maintained between saplings planted along the highway to facilitate their proper growth. The court disposed of the public interest litigation (PIL) registered suo motu in connection with the tree felling, after issuing the necessary directions.

During the hearing, the court asked the amicus curiae to suggest measures for plantation along the highway. NHAI and the Forest Department were directed to consider the suggestions and take appropriate steps to ensure the growth and survival of the saplings.

NHAI had also informed the court that a monitoring agency had been appointed to inspect the plantation sites and assess the condition of saplings, along with arrangements for their upkeep and protection.

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