Wildlife and Forest Clearances Awaited
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved a ₹1,135 crore fund for upgrading the Umred-Nagbhid stretch of National Highway 353D, which passes through Nagpur and Chandrapur districts.
According to a media report, the 45.834-km stretch—excluding the urban limits of Bhiwapur city—will be upgraded to a four-lane highway with paved shoulders. The work will be carried out under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model.
The sanctioned project falls under the Nagpur Division and will serve as a crucial connec-tivity link between Bramhapuri, Armori, and Gadchiroli. The first leg of the highway from Nagpur to Umred, covering approximately 48 km has al-ready been completed.
The sanctioned project comes under the Nagpur Division and is set to become a vital connectivity link between Bramhapuri, Armori, and Gadchiroli. The first phase of the highway—from Nagpur to Umred, spanning around 48 km—has already been completed.
An estimated 20,000 trees—both big and small—are likely to be cut down for the project. The highway’s right of way (ROW) varies between 20 to 30 metres along the stretch.
According to forest officials, the Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed acquiring 65.14 hectares of private land to make room for the expanded carriageway. In total, 193.56 hectares of land will be required for the project, including 13 hectares of reserved forest area falling within the strategically important Umred-Karhandla-Paoni Wildlife Sanctuary.
Though environmental clear ance is not required for the proj-ect, forest and wildlife clear-ances are mandatory. A proposal for the diversion of 13 hectares of forest land has already been put up. Notably, the project in cludes three animal underpasses to mitigate wildlife conflict along the corridor.
The highway stretch between 54 to 59 km falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Umred-Karhandla-Paoni Wildlife Sanctuary (UKPWS), making wildlife clearance mandatory. The process for obtaining this clearance is currently underway. Meanwhile, the PWD (National Highways Division), Maharashtra, has been directed not to invite any bids until all required forest and wildlife approvals are in place.
In a circular dated May 6, 2025, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued strict instructions to ensure all pre-tender formalities are completed to avoid delays and legal hurdles during highway projects. The authority made it clear that environmental and wildlife clearances must be obtained before floating tenders, while forest clearance is a must before awarding the Letter of Award (LOA).
The circular also outlined land acquisition milestones, mandating that procedures under Sections 3A and 3D of the National Highways Act, 1956, be completed and compensation paid to affected landowners before the project officially begins.
“Rather than resorting to large-scale tree felling, measures like scientific pruning of branches to improve visibility, proper road furnishing, and strict vehicle speed regulation can significantly minimise ecological damage,” said tree conservationist Shrikant Deshpande.
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