80% saplings planted along Delhi highways okay: NHAI

NEW DELHI: Around 80% of the 6,400 saplings and trees planted by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) along the capital’s highways have survived, the authority has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
NHAI was presenting a detailed report highlighting removal of encroachments carried out across the country, along with the extent of plantation done. The body stated that 6,400 trees and saplings were planted on either side of the highway as part of a green belt between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.
The data submitted to the NGT showed that in the first quarter of last year (April 1-June 30), 960 saplings were planted, with 4,480 saplings planted in the next quarter. In the last two quarters, 640 and 320 saplings were planted, respectively. The report stated that the saplings had a survival rate of 80% in each quarter.