Rajya Sabha member and environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal has raised the issue of protecting large, old and heritage trees during the construction of National Highways in the Rajya Sabha. Responding to his query, the Central Government assured the House that trees would not be felled unless absolutely necessary during infrastructure development works. It further stated that, wherever feasible, alternative engineering designs, modifications in highway alignments and tree transplantation would be adopted to preserve existing trees.Through a written question, Seechewal sought details from the Government on the alternative engineering measures being adopted to save old and heritage trees during National Highway projects. He also sought information on the policy regarding compensatory afforestation in Punjab and other states, the steps being taken to develop green belts and biodiversity corridors along National Highways and the number of trees planted across the country, including Punjab, to compensate for those felled during highway construction.In his written reply, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari informed the House that green belts are being developed along National Highways under the Green Highways Policy, 2015. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is promoting the plantation of indigenous tree species suited to local climatic conditions. He added that initiatives such as Bee Corridors and Arogya Van are also being implemented to strengthen biodiversity along highways.The Government further informed that, in accordance with the Tree Transplantation Guidelines issued on April 19, 2022, trees would not be cut unless there was no viable alternative. Before granting permission for felling, all possible alternatives, including changes in project design and tree transplantation, would be explored and given priority. In forest areas, tree felling is carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Act, 1980 and compensatory afforestation is mandatory.Balbir Singh Seechewal said that development and environmental conservation are complementary to each other. He emphasised that heritage trees are an invaluable part of the nation’s natural heritage and their protection must be prioritised in every development project. He further stated that the assurances given by the Central Government in Parliament should be implemented effectively at the ground level to ensure that infrastructure development progresses hand in hand with environmental conservation.