Divisional Forest Officer, Nalgonda, has granted permission to National Highways Authorities of India (NHAI) to fell 732 trees along the 22.8-km stretch of NH-163 (Hyderabad-Warangal) to lay a four-lane road.
Following the request made by NHAI Project Director, Nalgonda Divisional Forest Officer K. Sudharshan Reddy accorded permission to fell the trees, but has asked the authority to plant five saplings for each tree that was permitted to be cut down.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Sudharshan Reddy said NHAI usually would be asked to plant only two saplings during any road widening work in the country, but now it has been asked to plant five saplings since the Telangana government was particular about increasing the green cover in the State. He added that the district had the lowest forest cover compared to the rest of Telangana.
Stating that they were very particular about taking up plantation of native species, the Forest Officer said that the NHAI must plant the same species that are to be felled or other native species under their guidance and added that the saplings must be three or four years old.
The NHAI has already paid Rs. 36,600 towards felling charges. The DFO said the Forest Range Officer, Choutuppal, conducted enumeration of trees before according the permission. The four-lane work of NH-163 would begin soon.
The forest authorities have also asked the NHAI to translocate healthy and vibrant indigenous Banyan and Peepal trees to nearby places following a scientific method.
