Forest clearance issues put Rs 137-cr Palwal-Nuh highway project on hold

The four-laning project of the highway connecting Palwal and Nuh districts, approved by the Haryana Government over two years ago, has hit a roadblock due to the unavailability of a no- objection certificate (NOC) from the Forest Department.

The Haryana State Roads and Bridge Development Corporation (HSRBDC), which was allotted the Rs 137-crore project, has been unable to make any progress on the 30-km-long stretch as it is yet to provide an alternative 65-acre land parcel to the Forest Department. Sources in the district administration revealed that this land is required as compensation for the loss of trees that will be felled for the project.

“As the removal of the trees from both sides of the road is the primary task for this project, it cannot proceed without the formal NOC,” said an official on condition of anonymity. He added that providing alternative land for plantation is a key requirement for obtaining the necessary approval. The cost of acquiring the land and conducting the plantation will be borne by HSRBDC, it is claimed.

While HSRBDC has the land required for the four-laning work, the challenge of securing an alternative 65-acre land parcel for the Forest Department has complicated the issue. This has left the project in limbo, according to sources.

“The 30-km-long stretch, which is currently two-laned, has been severely damaged and riddled with potholes, posing risks of accidents and vehicle damage,” said Rajender Tewatia, a local resident. He added that the situation has worsened due to the high volume of traffic caused by the interchange facility of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Mandkola village, located along this road.

Hundreds of vehicles travelling from Palwal and Hodal to districts such as Nuh, Tauru, Dharuhera, Ferozpur Jhirka, Punhana, Bhiwadi and Alwar use this stretch every hour. Key sections near Mandkola, Maheshpur, Mandori and Karna villages have been riddled with potholes for over three years. It is claimed that 15 kilometres of the stretch falls in Palwal district.

Rahul Singh, executive engineer at HSRBDC, acknowledged that the delay in obtaining the Forest Department’s NOC was due to the pending issue of alternative land, which requires resolution at a higher level as it involves a significant policy decision. “The issue is expected to be resolved soon,” he added.