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Sustainable development

NHAI's Commitment to Sustainability: A Journey Towards a Greener Future

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

NHAI has released its first Sustainability Report for FY 2021-22, highlighting the organization's commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The report, recently released by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, showcases NHAI's efforts in reducing direct and indirect emissions, promoting the use of clean and green energy sources, and adopting sustainable construction practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • NHAI has reduced direct emission by 18.44% and 9.49% from FY 2019-20 to FY 2021-22 due to less fuel consumption.
  • Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions from energy consumption, operations, transport, and travel have declined by 9.7% in FY 2020-21 and 2% in FY 2021-22.
  • NHAI has achieved a 97% penetration of Electronic Toll Collection through FASTag, contributing to a reduction in carbon footprint.
  • The organization has been using recycled materials, such as fly-ash and plastic waste, in National Highway construction, with a significant increase in the use of Recycled Asphalt (RAP) and Recycled Aggregates (RA).
  • Over 100 Wildlife Crossings were created in three years across 20 States to reduce man-animal conflict and promote wildlife protection and conservation.
  • NHAI has planted over 2.74 crore saplings till 2021-22 to offset direct emissions from vehicles.
  • The organization has partnered with various stakeholders, including State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), Self Help Groups, CSR partners, and NGOs, to organize plantation drives.
  • Women employment and employment of marginalized communities at NHAI have increased over the last three years.
  • NHAI's performance-based management system has promoted women gender diversity and minority employees, with a 7.4% increase in female hiring and a 3% increase in total workforce.

Statistics:

  • Direct emission reduction from FY 2019-20 to FY 2021-22: 18.44% and 9.49%
  • Decline in GHG Emissions from energy consumption, operations, transport, and travel: 9.7% in FY 2020-21 and 2% in FY 2021-22
  • Electronic Toll Collection penetration through FASTag: 97%
  • Number of saplings planted by NHAI till 2021-22: 2.74 crore
  • Number of Wildlife Crossings created in three years across 20 States: over 100

Sources:

  • Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways
  • NHAI's Sustainability Report for FY 2021-22
  • Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting guidelines
  • International Standards on Assurance Engagements
  • Ministry of Finance, Government of India framework on Green Finance
  • NHAI website at https://nhai.gov.in/nhai/sites/default/files/mix_file/NHAI_Report_2023_2205_with_cutmarks.pdf
  • Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)

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