Ranchi: The High Court has taken a tough stand on large-scale tree felling during widening of Hazaribagh–Barhi section of NH-33 and claims made regarding compensatory plantation. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar took suo motu cognisance of matter on Wednesday.
During hearing, Project Director of NHAI appeared in person before court. Bench sought a detailed account of expenditure incurred on plantation over past five years. Project Director informed court that around 20,000 saplings had been planted along Hazaribagh–Barhi road stretch.
NHAI claimed that nearly Rs 8 crore had been spent on purchase and plantation of these saplings. However, petitioner’s counsel Indrajeet Samanta termed these claims misleading, raising serious doubts over implementation on ground. Court expressed deep concern over issue.
High Court observed that key question was how loss of old and massive trees felled in name of development would be compensated. Bench noted that if greenery was still not visible along roadside despite spending Rs 8 crore, it indicated wastage of public money and blatant disregard for environment.
Court is expected to closely monitor matter and seek accountability from authorities responsible for execution of plantation work.