NHAI’s Sustainability Report 2023–24

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has showcased remarkable progress in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its infrastructure projects, as highlighted in its second Sustainability Report for FY 2023–24. The report underscores NHAI’s alignment with India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and circular economy principles, aiming to ensure that infrastructure development contributes to long-term ecological balance.

Major Environmental Sustainability Initiatives by NHAI

1. Decoupling Growth from Emissions:

   • NHAI achieved a 20% increase in National Highway construction, yet reduced its GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emission intensity from 1.0 to 0.8 MTCO₂e/km.

   • This reflects NHAI's ability to decouple highway construction growth from environmental harm, ensuring that infrastructural expansion does not contribute disproportionately to climate change.

2. Promoting Circular Economy:

   • In FY 2023–24, NHAI utilized over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials in construction, such as:

     • Fly ash

     • Plastic waste

     • Reclaimed asphalt

   • This initiative not only reduces construction waste but also enhances resource efficiency, ensuring the use of sustainable materials in highway projects.

3. Water Body Rejuvenation:

   • NHAI has played a significant role in rejuvenating water bodies across India. Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, NHAI has developed 467 water bodies.

   • These efforts have resulted in the recovery of 2.4 crore cubic meters of soil, leading to cost savings of ₹16,690 crore in construction materials.

4. Reduced Water Use Intensity:

   • The report highlights a 74% reduction in water use intensity in water-stressed regions, reflecting NHAI’s focus on water conservation during infrastructure development, especially in arid areas.

How Infrastructure Development Can Be Synergized with Environmental Sustainability

To ensure that infrastructure projects align with sustainable development, NHAI and other infrastructure agencies can adopt the following principles:

1. Adopt Green Infrastructure Principles:

   • Design infrastructure that works with nature: E.g., permeable pavements, green roofs, bio-swales, and urban forests.

   • This ensures that the built environment doesn’t just meet functional needs but also creates ecological benefits.

2. Integrate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

   • Make Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) a part of the decision-making process at the planning stage, rather than a formality.

   • Employ Strategic Environmental Assessments that also include social assessments for large-scale or regional infrastructure projects.

3. Use Sustainable Materials & Promote Circular Economy:

   • Recycled, low-carbon, and locally sourced materials should be prioritized.

   • Promote reuse of waste materials like fly ash, plastic, and construction & demolition (C&D) waste to reduce the consumption of virgin materials.

4. Green Cover and Compensatory Afforestation:

   • Infrastructure projects should integrate green cover, such as tree plantation, green belts, and ecological buffers along highways and other transport routes.

   • The “Tree First, Road Next” approach should be followed in sensitive zones to mitigate deforestation and habitat loss.

5. Water Conservation and Management:

   • Implement stormwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and water-efficient systems in urban and transport projects.

   • Rejuvenate local water bodies to ensure that infrastructure projects contribute to water conservation.

6. Wildlife and Biodiversity Considerations:

   • Infrastructure planning should consider biodiversity, including building eco-bridges, underpasses, and animal corridors to allow safe passage for wildlife across roads, railways, and other linear infrastructure.

7. Low-Carbon Transport Infrastructure:

   • Promote mass rapid transit systems, non-motorized transport (NMT), and EV-ready highways.

   • Develop more dedicated freight corridors to reduce emissions and congestion on existing roads.

8. Policy Alignment and ESG Compliance:

   • Infrastructure projects should be aligned with India’s Mission LiFE, National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

   • Encourage ESG reporting across public sector agencies involved in infrastructure development.

NHAI:

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways in India. Established under the NHAI Act, 1988, and operational since February 1995, NHAI plays a pivotal role in expanding India’s road infrastructure. It is governed by a Chairman, with several full-time and part-time members appointed by the Central Government.

Conclusion

NHAI’s Sustainability Report 2023–24 marks a significant shift in India's infrastructure development model — from a "build fast" approach to a "build green" one. By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations, NHAI is showing that it is possible to expand infrastructure while minimizing ecological harm. As India continues to expand its infrastructure, it is essential to follow the path of 'concrete with conscience', where each road, bridge, and port is not just an economic asset but also an ecological responsibility.