Environment Ministry Approves Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway Project
Environment ministry’s expert panel clears Varanasi to Kolkata expressway
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
An expert panel from India's Ministry of Environment has recommended environmental clearance for a 235-km expressway linking Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and Kolkata, West Bengal. The project, costing ₹9,250 crore (approximately $1.1 billion USD), will impact over 103 hectares of forest land and requires the removal of 50,000 trees.
- 01The expressway will span 235 km and cost ₹9,250 crore.
- 02It will require the diversion of over 103 hectares of protected forest land.
- 03The project will cut down 40,000 trees in non-forest areas and 10,000 trees in forest areas.
- 04Wildlife movement will be addressed with 20 elephant-cum-wildlife underpasses.
- 05The project area is home to 17 Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Act.
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The Ministry of Environment's expert appraisal committee has approved environmental clearance for a 235-km greenfield expressway connecting Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Kolkata in West Bengal. This project, part of the National Highways Authority of India, is estimated to cost ₹9,250 crore (approximately $1.1 billion USD) and will traverse through several districts including Purulia, Bankura, Pashchim Mednipur, Hoogli, and Howrah. The construction will necessitate the diversion of more than 103 hectares of reserved forest land and the removal of 50,000 trees. The area is significant for wildlife, hosting 17 Schedule-I species, including the Indian elephant and leopard. To mitigate the impact on wildlife, the NHAI plans to construct 20 elephant-cum-wildlife underpasses to facilitate safe animal crossings. The expert committee emphasized that these structures must comply with specific recommendations regarding their dimensions to ensure effective wildlife movement.
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The expressway is expected to enhance transportation efficiency between major cities, potentially boosting local economies but also raising concerns about environmental degradation.
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