GREEN SIGNAL TO DWARKA EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION – 2,675 TREES TO BE TRANSPLANTED

In a report by Hindustan Times – the much-delayed 29-km Dwarka expressway project get a green signal from the Delhi government. ‘NHAI has planned to transplant 2,675 trees.’

National highways are segmented based on demographics and are maintained through the toll taxation system. The growth in these highways indirectly contributed to an increase in tourism, automobiles and restaurants. The percentage of automobile owners has grown, and so has the number of casual travellers.

However, the downside of this development is the destruction of natural and human-made resources. The routes planned for these projects are selected based on the most practical connect. The expanding four ways calls for the removal of the various entities and structures in its path including shops, houses, agricultural lands, and even sturdy trees. The government generally provides adequate compensation in lieu of the greater good. However, elements like the trees or a fertile land cannot be replaced entirely.

A classic example of this issue is the Dwarka Expressway also known as the Northern Peripheral Road or NH 248-BB.  This 29 km expressway was planned between Dwarka in Delhi to Gurugram in Haryana with four unique packages:

• Package one and two are roughly a stretch of 10 km are in Delhi
• The other two packages are in Gurugram

This is considered to be a vital connection as it connects – Mahipalpur, Kherki Daula, Shiv Murti and Dwarka Sector 21 underpass. This road enhances the connectivity for the industrial hub of the area and reduces footfalls in the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. The project was initially deemed to be completed by 2016 but was delayed due to various issues relating to land acquisition and environmental protection.

Nevertheless, the government has denied permission for this expressway in an attempt to protect the trees in the path. The Delhi Chief Minister has finally granted permission for this project but has levied stringent guidelines for the executions. The board is planning for the shifting of 2675 trees. These guidelines also emphasis that 80% of the trees should be shifted and 20?n be felled due to unavoidable circumstances.

Residents of Dwarka expressway and homebuyers were happy. “We thank union minister Nitin Gadkari, Delhi CM, Gurugram MP and NHAI officials for making this happen. This road will transform the city,” said Prakhar Sahay, a homebuyer, and joint secretary of the Dwarka expressway welfare association – Via Hindustan Times

These awareness initiatives serve as an example for real estate companies to maintain the ecological balance whilst construction of their properties. However, the real estate companies have realised the magnitude of the issue and have initiated innovative techniques to minimise damage. BPTP, the leading real estate company with presence in Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad has taken unique efforts to comply with the environmental clearance and compliance standards. Most of their projects are IGBC Green Certified which is awarded to companies which follow a stringent environmental protection protocol.