The Aryavarth Express
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh):
The proposed expansion of Bhopal’s Ayodhya Bypass into a 10-lane road has been put under judicial scanner, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordering an immediate suspension of tree felling linked to the project. The directive was issued on December 22 and will remain in force until the next hearing.
The order followed a petition filed by RTI activist Nitin Saxena, who alleged serious irregularities and violations in the environmental clearance process for the project being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Speaking to ANI, Saxena said the matter was already under consideration before the NGT when tree cutting continued. “The case was heard on December 22 by a special bench of the NGT in the presence of NHAI officials and their counsel. The tribunal clearly indicated its seriousness. Tree felling should have stopped within 24 hours, but trees were still cut on December 23,” he alleged.
According to Saxena, nearly 1,500 trees were felled on December 23 alone, raising questions about accountability for the environmental loss. He criticised the administration’s justification of compensatory plantation, stating that saplings cannot replace mature trees that are 40–50 years old and take decades to grow.
Saxena also questioned the necessity of the project, arguing that an alternative route already exists. “This 10-lane road will severely impact local residents. Heavy vehicles will ply on it, making daily life unsafe, especially for children. Half the damage has already been done, and the administration at all levels is complicit,” he claimed.
He further dismissed NHAI’s argument that delays would result in a penalty of ₹9 lakh per month payable to the contractor, saying such factors should have been considered earlier. “All work should have been stopped until a final decision was taken, but that did not happen,” he added.
In its order, the NGT stated that since the minutes of the meeting of the Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) had not been placed before the tribunal, no tree cutting or felling would be allowed at the project site until the next hearing. However, it permitted NHAI to continue construction work that does not involve cutting trees.
The tribunal also directed the Madhya Pradesh government to submit the CEC meeting minutes within a week. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 8, 2026.
