NHAI Releases Second Sustainability Report

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released its second Sustainability Report for the fiscal year 2023-24, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability and adherence to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. The report aims to align with India's environmental objectives and the Mission LiFE initiative, which emphasizes the importance of a sustainable lifestyle.

Key Highlights from NHAI Sustainability Report 2023-24:

• Release and Objective: The Sustainability Report was unveiled by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, reflecting NHAI’s efforts to incorporate sustainable practices in their operations.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: NHAI reported a remarkable improvement in its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity, reducing it from 1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km, despite a 20% increase in National Highway construction during FY 2023-24.

• Circular Economy and Material Reuse: The report indicates NHAI's strong focus on promoting a circular economy. In FY 2023-24, it utilized over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled materials, including fly-ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt in highway projects.

• Tree Plantation Initiatives: NHAI has planted over 56 lakh saplings in FY 2023-24 and 67.47 lakh saplings in 2024-25, contributing to over 4.69 crore total saplings planted since 2015, under the Green Highways Policy. This effort has enhanced carbon sinks along highways.

• Water Body Conservation: Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, NHAI has developed 467 water bodies, which has rejuvenated local water sources and provided approximately 2.4 crore cubic meters of soil for highway construction, leading to savings of around ₹16,690 crore.

• Water Use Reduction: The water use intensity in water-stressed regions reduced by 74% compared to the previous reporting period.

• Eco-friendly Wildlife Management: NHAI has integrated best practices to mitigate wildlife impacts from linear infrastructure, thereby reducing man-animal conflict in project areas.

• Occupational Health and Safety: NHAI's commitment to worker welfare is evident from the report, indicating that 100% of direct and contract workers are covered under the Occupational Health and Safety Management Framework, with zero incidents of workplace discrimination.

• Technological Advancements: NHAI has implemented an AI-powered platform, 'Data Lake 3.0,' which improved project management efficiency and led to the resolution of 155 conciliation claims, saving an estimated ₹25,680 crore.

• FASTag Penetration: A penetration rate of 98.5% of FASTag has been achieved, significantly reducing congestion and vehicle emissions at toll plazas, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint.

• Sustainable Infrastructure Development: The report emphasizes NHAI's strategic approach to balance rapid infrastructure growth with environmental sustainability, implementing renewable energy practices and effective waste management strategies.

• Availability of Report: The complete report can be accessed on NHAI's official website for detailed insights into its sustainability practices.

This extensive documentation by NHAI aims to provide transparency regarding its sustainable initiatives and sets a roadmap for future actions that align infrastructure development with environmental stewardship.

Important Points:

• Release of the second Sustainability Report by NHAI for FY 2023-24 emphasizing commitment towards environmental sustainability.
• Significant reduction in GHG Emissions Intensity (1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km) despite increased highway construction.
• Utilization of 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled materials in national highway projects.
• Over 4.69 crore saplings planted under the Green Highways Policy since 2015.
• Development of 467 water bodies under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, saving ₹16,690 crore.
• 74% reduction in water use intensity in water-stressed regions.
• Full coverage of OHS for direct and contract workers with no discrimination reported.
• Savings of ₹25,680 crore through AI-driven project management.
• 98.5% penetration of FASTag to reduce vehicular emissions.
• Aiming to balance fast infrastructure growth with eco-friendly practices.