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NGT orders reassessment of road expansion impact on Chevella Banyans
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct a new and comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) before expanding NH-163. The NGT found the original EIA deficient because it lacked a public hearing, failed to address the importance of the Chevella Banyans, didn't assess the impact on wildlife, and lacked scientific data on the success of tree relocation. The Save Chevella Banyans campaign, which documented 84 bird species and other wildlife dependent on the trees, praised the ruling as a victory for the rule of law and urged NHAI to revise its plans to preserve the Banyans.11:25 AM Mar 26, 2025 IST