Reality Check of NHAI Sustainability Report 2023–24

The NHAI Sustainability Report 2023–24 reveals significant progress in environmental management and governance innovations. However, it highlights gaps in social transparency and climate resilience planning. This critical review offers a practical reality check on NHAI’s sustainability claims and future commitments.

New Delhi (ABC Live): The NHAI Sustainability Report: the National Highways Authority of India’s efforts toward greener highways, social responsibility, and improved governance. This critical review assesses the practical progress and highlights areas needing improvement based on the latest data from the report.

Environmental Performance in the NHAI Sustainability Report 2023–24

NHAI’s data shows a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity even as highway construction increased by 20%. This decoupling is a positive sign, aligning with India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The NHAI Sustainability Report also highlights the use of over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled construction materials and the planting of nearly 4.7 crore trees along national highways. Additionally, the rejuvenation of 467 water bodies saved approximately ?16,690 crore in construction materials, contributing significantly to sustainable infrastructure development.

Alt text: Carbon emission reduction in NHAI Sustainability Report 2023–24

Social Responsibility Challenges in NHAI Report 2023–24

While the NHAI Sustainability Report cites 100% workforce coverage under Occupational Health and Safety frameworks and reports zero discrimination, it lacks detailed transparency on external social impacts.

Critical elements such as land acquisition, compensation, rehabilitation, and community engagement are minimally addressed, despite being mandatory under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

Supreme Court judgments like Manohar Lal Sharma v. Union of India (2021) emphasise the need for fair consultation and compensation, areas where the report falls short of practical disclosure.

Governance and Innovation in NHAI Sustainability Report

The report highlights governance innovations such as the AI-powered Data Lake 3.0 platform, which resolved 155 contract disputes, saving ?25,680 crore. The near-universal adoption of FASTag (98.5% penetration) has improved toll transparency and reduced emissions caused by congestion.

Alt text: Recycled materials used according to NHAI Sustainability Report 2023–24

However, the report omits important details on anti-corruption measures and procurement ethics, critical for public trust and mandated under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as reinforced by the Supreme Court in Vineet Narain v. Union of India (1998).

Climate Resilience and Future Sustainability Goals in NHAI Report 2023–24

NHAI’s initiatives on recycled materials and wildlife crossings represent global best practices. Yet, the NHAI Sustainability Report 2023–24 offers limited information on climate resilience measures, despite increasing climate risks.

Courts, notably in Common Cause v. Union of India (2017), have emphasised the necessity of integrating climate adaptation strategies into infrastructure. Practical disclosures on flood-resistant roads, erosion control, or heat-resilient materials are absent but urgently needed.

Recommendations for Future NHAI Sustainability Reporting

Set clear, measurable future targets for emissions, recycled material usage, and social inclusion to increase accountability.
Improve transparency on land acquisition impacts and community engagement, fulfilling statutory and judicial requirements.
Detail anti-corruption and procurement ethics policies to bolster governance trust.
Report on climate resilience initiatives and adaptation technologies in highway construction.
Include candid discussions on challenges faced and corrective actions, aligning with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.

Conclusion: Progress Made, Practical Transparency Must Improve

The NHAI Sustainability Report 2023–24 marks significant progress in environmental and governance spheres, supported by strong data. However, gaps in social transparency and climate resilience disclosure limit its practical impact.

For NHAI to lead India’s sustainable infrastructure development effectively, enhanced social accountability and clear future sustainability goals are essential. Transparent and inclusive growth will benefit all stakeholders while protecting the environment.