Compliance report awaited on green cover along expressway

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway's 24-km passage through Faridabad is operational, but the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is still awaiting the utilisation certificate for the Rs 5 crore released in 2022 for compensatory plantation.

Two of the expressway's 12 lanes, connecting Mithapur (Jaitpur Pushta) at the Delhi border to Kelly village in Ballabhgarh, are functional. However, compensatory plantation for the 5,700 trees cut during construction remains incomplete as the department concerned has not submitted the compliance report, according to sources in the NHAI and district administration.

"The utilisation certificate was sought about a year ago, but the authorities are yet to provide proper details regarding the funds meant for plantation,” said an NHAI official.

A Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed dissatisfaction over the delay. "Despite discussions in a meeting chaired by the local MP last month, a proper report about the green corridor is still pending," the official said.

Funds for the compensatory forestry were transferred to HSVP (Haryana Shehari Vikas Pradhikaran) in 2022. Ajay Bahl, a local resident, had filed an RTI seeking details of plantation work. The State Information Commission had directed the HSVP in June 2023 to furnish the information, but no response has been provided yet.

Though claims of greenery developed over several acres in Sector 59 exist, a proper report is awaited. "I recently took charge and will inquire about the status of this matter," said Sahil Gupta, Administrator, HSVP, Faridabad.