Compliance report awaited on green cover along expressway
The 24-km-long passage of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway passing through the city is operational, but the NHAI is yet to get the utilisation certificate for the work related to compensatory plantation along the corridor, costing Rs 1,729 crore. The NHAI had released Rs 5 crore for it about three years ago, it is reported.
Two of the 12-lane expressway connecting Mithapur (Jaitpur Pushta) located on Delhi border and Kelly village of Ballabhgarh subdivision in the district has been made functional, but the issue of compensatory plantation along the expressway has not been taken up as the department concerned is yet to submit the compliance report of the project, for which funds were released in 2022, reveal sources in the NHAI and district administration.
"The utilisation certificate had been sought about a year ago, but the authorities are yet to reveal the details through the proper format for the utilisation of funds meant for plantation,’’ said an NHAI official.
Expressing dissatisfaction, an official of the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority, requesting anonymity, also claimed that a proper report about the green corridor was yet to be submitted, despite being discussed at a meeting chaired by the local MP last month.
It is claimed that as money had been released by the NHAI to the HSVP for the purpose, the work involved compensatory forestry as 5,700 trees had been cut to pave way for the construction.
The money had been transferred by the NHAI in 2022 for the purpose. The State Information Commission had also directed HSVP office here in June last year to furnish the details of the plantation work to Ajay Bahl, a resident who had lodged a complaint for non furnishing of details sought by him through an RTI application about two years ago.
Though greenery over several acres in Sector 59 here has been claimed to be developed as part of the compensatory plantation, a proper report is yet to be submitted.
Sahil Gupta, Administrator, HSVP , Faridabad, said he had taken charge recently and would have to enquire about the status of the matter.
