The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that around 1 crore trees have been planted across the country along highways in the past three years to maintain ecology and environmental balance.
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NGT Bench's decision:
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel was not satisfied with the report furnished by NHAI. It directed the NHAI officials to be present before the Tribunal. It further directed the NHAI to furnish details on why encroachments are taking place along the highways and details of steps taken to ensure removal of the same.
Reason:
The directions came on a plea filed by NGO Society for Protection of Culture, Heritage, Environment, Traditions, and Promotion of National Awareness, seeking execution of a 2017 NGT order where the NHAI had informed NGT that it would rule mentioned in the Green Highways Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance Policy will be followed.