Mon Nov 03 07:12:23 UTC 2025: Summary:
On November 3, 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) approved the widening of National Highway 163 between Moinabad and Manneguda in Telangana, India. This decision ends an eight-year legal battle initiated by environmentalists to protect over 900 banyan trees. A compromise was reached where the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will modify the design to protect 765 banyan trees in place and translocate another 130. The approval coincided with a fatal accident on the same highway, highlighting the dangers of the current two-lane road. The road widening project has been controversial, with some locals even resorting to arson against the trees and others protesting the fatal accidents that have taken place on the road. The compromise includes retaining other tree species and involving civil society in project monitoring.
News Article:
Highway Widening Approved Amidst Tragedy in Telangana
Hyderabad, India – November 3, 2025 – The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today gave the green light for the long-delayed widening of National Highway 163 between Moinabad and Manneguda in Telangana. The decision comes after eight years of legal wrangling between environmentalists and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over the fate of hundreds of banyan trees along the route.
The approval, however, is shadowed by a tragic accident that occurred earlier today on the same stretch of highway. A tipper lorry collided with a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus near Mirajguda-Khanapur, highlighting the dangerous conditions of the current two-lane road.
The highway widening project, aimed at expanding the road from two to six lanes, was stalled in 2017 due to concerns over the planned removal of over 900 banyan trees. A compromise was brokered recently through the intervention of Pargi MLA T. Ram Mohan Reddy. NHAI agreed to modify the road design to ensure the in-situ protection of 765 banyan trees and translocate approximately 130 more.
The project has been a point of contention for years, with some local residents reportedly setting fire to trees in protest.
While the NGT order was issued today, Mr.Ram Mohan Reddy had already announced that a favorable verdict would be issued during a press conference.
“We requested for the retention of 400-plus other species of trees on the stretch where the banyan trees would be retained,” said Tejah Balantrapu, a co-petitioner. “Also, we asked for inclusion of civil society representatives on the monitoring committee to be constituted to oversee the road widening project.”
The NHAI has reportedly agreed to reduce the median width and adjust the gradient at certain points to minimize environmental impact. The road currently lacks a median, a factor believed to have contributed to today’s fatal accident.
The road widening project is expected to improve safety and ease traffic congestion on this busy route once completed.
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