A ₹100 crore road widening project on the Patna-Gaya highway in Jehanabad, Bihar, has sparked outrage as several full-grown trees were left standing in the middle of the newly constructed 7.48 km stretch. The district administration built the road around these trees after the forest department denied permission to cut them, demanding compensation for 14 hectares of forest land.
This has created hazardous zigzag driving conditions, raising safety concerns among commuters. The district administration has lodged an FIR against the construction agency for violating clearance conditions and installed barricades along the affected stretch to prevent accidents.
Dangerous Detour: Trees as Obstacles on a ₹100 Crore Road
The trees are scattered irregularly across the road rather than aligned, forcing drivers to swerve repeatedly, turning the highway into a perilous obstacle course. Local commuters and passersby have reported multiple accidents and expressed fears of more mishaps. Viral images and videos on social media have amplified criticism of the project’s flawed execution.
According to Jehanabad District Magistrate Alankrita Pandey, although no accidents have been officially reported so far, barricades have been installed as a precautionary measure. She confirmed that the construction agency proceeded with the work without obtaining the necessary forest clearance, leading to the current crisis and the FIR against them.
How Bureaucratic Deadlock Led to a Road Safety Crisis
The controversy stems from a bureaucratic impasse between the district administration and the forest department. The administration sought permission to remove the trees, but the forest department refused clearance, demanding compensation in the form of 14 hectares of non-forest land for plantation.
Unable to meet this demand, the administration allowed the road widening to continue by constructing around the trees, violating forest clearance conditions. The affected stretch was previously part of NH-83 but now falls under the state road construction department. The road widening work is currently halted pending forest department approval for tree removal.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident highlights the urgent need for better coordination between government departments and adherence to environmental regulations in infrastructure projects. While development is essential, it must not come at the cost of public safety or ecological integrity.
The bizarre outcome of a ₹100 crore project turning a highway into a dangerous obstacle course underscores the consequences of bureaucratic deadlock and poor planning. The Logical Indian calls for transparent dialogue, responsible governance, and sustainable development practices that prioritise both nature and human lives.
