NTI : The Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun has taken on the responsibility of compensating for the trees cut down for the construction of the Doon-Delhi Expressway. For the first time, FRI has developed a nursery of sal (Shorea robusta) trees, which will begin to be planted next year. Around 11,000 mature sal trees were cut down to clear the way for the expressway project, and in response, FRI, with the assistance of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has initiated a project to prepare and plant new saplings.
This is the first large-scale nursery of sal trees created by FRI, marking a significant step in conservation. Sal trees naturally regenerate, making it challenging to cultivate them in a nursery setting. Aware of this complexity, FRI took on this ambitious task, preparing over 15,000 saplings to help restore the lost greenery.
During the construction of the elevated stretch of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, more than 11,000 sal trees had to be cut along a 12-kilometer stretch. This sparked protests from environmentalists and local residents, eventually bringing the matter before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which mandated the government to plant new sal saplings to compensate for the environmental impact.
With the support of NHAI, FRI will undertake the responsibility of growing and planting the new sal trees. FRI’s director, Dr. Renu Singh, planting activities under this project are set to commence next year, marking a significant step toward environmental recovery for the affected regions.
