Trees fall to make way for NH 167

​Mahbubnagar: The road widening work on the newly announced Raichur-Jadcherla National Highway 167 is in full swing, with the construction of culverts and bridges wherever necessary.

• Over 500 trees have been marked to be cut from Jadcherla to Mahbubnagar officially, unofficially this number may go up to 1,000 trees
• Govt asked to ensure that 5 trees are planted for every tree that is felled
• NGOs should be involved in replantation of trees

However, the major concern is with the indiscriminate felling of trees which is going to harm the environment. While more than 500 trees have been marked to be cut from Jadcherla to Mahbubnagar officially,

unofficially this number may go up to 1,000 trees, which is going to harm the environment in the district. Already, the district is reeling under severe drought due to lack of rainfall.

The environmentalists and NGOs are of the opinion that the government should ensure planting of at least five trees for every tree that is felled for road widening. “A detailed planning should be carried out before felling the trees.

They should involve the NGOs for plantation of trees alongside the National Highway. Before taking up the development works, they should improve the green cover,” says Dr. Moses, President of Depressed Rural Development Social Organisation.

When enquired about the indiscriminate felling of trees by the Roads and Buildings Department, Deputy Executive Engineer, National Highways, Srinivas said,

“We have already got the clearance from the forest department. We will take up the re-plantation works once the road widening works are completed.”

At present, the government has issued tenders for cutting of trees between Jadcherla and Mahbubnagar. Krishna Reddy, a contractor from Siddipeta, has secured the tender for Rs. 3 lakh.

“We have been asked to cut and fill the wood alongside the road from Jadcherla to Mahbubnagar. For cutting and loading of one tonne wood, we will get Rs. 650,” says, Ashok Goud, a worker loading the wood in the trucks.

Once the trees are cleared, the National Highway authorities will widen the road from the current five-metre single road to 12-metre two-lane road.

Though the government has plans to develop the entire Raichur-Nalgonda National Highway, at present it has accorded permission only for 55.4 kilometres from Marikal to Jadcherla.

“We have taken up the development works on National Highway 167 and make it into a two-lane road from Marikal to Jadcherla over a length of 55.4 kilometres in the initial phase.

For this, the government is spending Rs. 75 crore and almost 90 per cent of construction of bridges, culverts and other concreted works is completed.

We have given the contractor a target of two years to complete the works,” informed Surender, Executive Engineer, National Highways.