What is the NHAI doing to save the banyan trees along the Hyderabad-Manneguda highway?

The NHAI has modified its project proposal to save hundreds of banyan trees, agreeing to retain at least 765 trees in situ and reduce the number of trees proposed for translocation to around 150 or fewer.

How did the National Green Tribunal (NGT) respond to the NHAI's highway expansion plan?

The NGT granted conditional approval for the NHAI to proceed with the highway expansion, but directed the authority to adhere to a revised alignment and implement strict environmental mitigation measures.

Why were environmentalists concerned about the original highway expansion plan?

Environmentalists had opposed the proposed plan to expand the Hyderabad-Bijapur National Highway 163, arguing that it would involve removing approximately 900 Nizam-era banyan trees on both sides of the stretch.

Home / Environment / NHAI Saves Hundreds of Iconic Banyan Trees Along Hyderabad-Manneguda Highway

NHAI Saves Hundreds of Iconic Banyan Trees Along Hyderabad-Manneguda Highway

13 Nov

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Summary

NHAI modifies project to retain 765 banyan trees along 45-km highway
NGT grants conditional approval for highway expansion with environmental oversight
Environmentalists had opposed plan to remove 900 Nizam-era banyan trees

NHAI Saves Hundreds of Iconic Banyan Trees Along Hyderabad-Manneguda Highway

On November 13, 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) granted conditional approval for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to proceed with the expansion of the Hyderabad-Bijapur National Highway 163. This decision comes after a six-year-old dispute over the proposed plan, which had faced opposition from environmentalists concerned about the removal of approximately 900 Nizam-era banyan trees along the 45-km stretch between Hyderabad and Manneguda.

In a significant development, NHAI has now modified the project proposal to save hundreds of these iconic trees. The authority has agreed to retain at least 765 banyan trees in situ and reduce the number of trees proposed for translocation to around 150 or fewer. Additionally, the translocated trees will be planted along the road edge within the right-of-way to minimize long-distance transport.