‘When it comes to roads in India, we should build what we need, no more’

Roads, over time, have a net-negative impact on the ecosystem. The move away from tar at least is a good step, says wildlife biologist Anish Andheria. See why.

Think of the many times you’ve heard of trees being felled for road-building or road-widening.

Multiply that across a tropical subcontinent, in the midst of a road-building spree.

The BJP-led NDA government has added 50,000 km of national highway across the country, over the past decade; a hike of more than 50% in total area covered by such roads. Another 202 national highway projects worth thousands of crores are in the works.

“Roads have come to be thought of as

Anish Andheria

Planting the right species of trees is vital. Pick species native to the region, over generic ornamentals. Flowering and fruiting invasives can be particularly harmful because they draw pollinators to the region that are indifferent to native species, thereby altering the ecosystem to an even greater degree.

But Andheria’s most fundamental piece of advice: Wherever possible, build small, he says. Build what we need, no more.