Mangaluru
In a scathing critique of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the National Environment Care Federation (NECF) has brought attention to widespread landslides caused by what it describes as negligent and unscientific development practices on national highways. H. Shashidhar Shetty, General Secretary of NECF, addressed a letter to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and the Ministry’s Secretary, highlighting alarming instances of landslides due to reckless road widening and tunnel construction in eco-sensitive areas.
According to Shetty, these incidents underscore a failure to conduct proper geotechnical investigations, implement slope stabilization measures, and reinforce soil to prevent landslides. He also criticized the lax enforcement of the National Green Highways Policy, which mandates sustainable infrastructure practices, including the planting of native trees to prevent soil erosion.
Despite substantial toll revenue collected from these highways, Shetty accused NHAI authorities, engineers, and contractors of gross negligence and substandard work. He asserted that their actions have directly contributed to devastating landslides and other incidents without facing accountability or penalties.
Shetty appealed to Minister Nitin Gadkari to hold NHAI authorities directly responsible for any fatalities resulting from potholes, landslides, or road slipping incidents. He suggested that NHAI officials, engineers, and contractors should be mandated to compensate Rs 5 crore from their salaries for any loss of life due to their negligence. Emphasizing the need for stringent enforcement of the National Green Highways Policy, Shetty called for immediate action to address these issues and prevent future environmental disasters.
