Delhi, 15 July (H.S.): NHAI has published its second ‘Sustainability Report’ for FY 2023-24, showcasing its dedication to environmental sustainability. The report details the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles throughout NHAI's operations and aligns with India's global commitments and the Prime Minister’s 'Mission LiFE' initiative. Released by Nitin Gadkari, the report highlights various measures implemented for environmental protection and energy conservation.

Notably, despite a 20% rise in National Highway construction, NHAI cut its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity from 1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km, demonstrating a decoupling of construction growth from emissions. Additionally, NHAI promoted a circular economy by recycling over 631 lakh metric tonnes of materials in highway constructions and actively engaged in tree plantation drives, planting over 56 lakh saplings in FY 2023-24, totaling more than 4.69 crore since 2015.

NHAI’s efforts also extend to water conservation through the Amrit Sarovar Mission, completing the development of 467 water bodies, rejuvenating local sources, and providing significant soil resources for construction. There was a 74% reduction in water use intensity in stressed regions compared to previous reports. Further initiatives include a 'Best Practice Guidance Document' to mitigate wildlife impacts and reduce man-animal conflict.

Moreover, NHAI ensures inclusive work practices, with 100% coverage under Occupational Health and Safety for all workers and zero instances of workplace discrimination, affirming commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The implementation of an AI-powered 'Data Lake 3.0' platform has streamlined project management, saving approximately ₹25,680 crore.

The dominance of FASTag technology has further minimized congestion and emissions at toll plazas. The report serves as a transparent account of NHAI's sustainability performance and outlines a roadmap for balancing infrastructure growth with environmental responsibilities. The complete report is available on NHAI's website.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar