In their order dated 24 May 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Chennai, has mandated that a Committee be formed to explore alternative alignments on NH-163, especially where large Banyan clusters are at risk of uprooting because of the proposed expansion of this national highway.

The NGT-recommended committee will consist of a senior officers from Indian Road Congress and PCCF nominees (not below the rank of Chief Conservator of Forest). While the NHAI too has been included, the petitioners are hoping to underscore the risk of conflict with their inclusion. The committee is empowered to invite any other expert they deem necessary to make these alignment changes to protect the Banyans.

The order also notes the many instances NHAI has been unable to re-look the alignment despite the tribunal reminding them of the ecological and heritage value of these Banyan clusters.

In their latest report, NHAI submitted a report from a technical agency that only looks at the feasibility of 5 underpasses (amounting to a few hundred meters in this 45-km project) instead of looking at re-alignment as was directed by the Tribunal.

The petitioners representing the Save Chevella Banyans campaign objected to this narrow approach and NHAI’s unwillingness to include the environment in their decision-making process while building roads. Small realignments would save the old Banyans and will be to the credit of the authority.

The Committee mandated by the NGT is in response to this resistance, and we hope that they will help NHAI find a solution that is inclusive and protective of trees in their mission.