Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
azadi ka amrit mahotsav
NHAI Sustainability Report Highlights Initiatives Taken for Environment Sustainability
Posted On: 15 JUL 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi
Highlighting its commitment towards environment sustainability, NHAI released its second consecutive ‘Sustainability Report’ for the fiscal year 2023-24. The comprehensive report details NHAI's robust framework for integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its operations. It also highlights NHAI’s alignment with India's global commitments and the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a sustainable future, as encapsulated in the 'Mission LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and circular economy. The report was recently released by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways.
The ‘Sustainability Report 2023-24’ underlines the effectiveness of various efforts made by NHAI for environmental protection and energy conservation. As per the report, despite a 20% increase in National Highway construction in FY 2023-24, NHAI successfully reduced its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity from 1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km demonstrating a clear decoupling of construction growth from emissions.
The report also highlighted NHAI’s efforts to promote the circular economy, which is one of the main pillars of sustainability. In FY 2023-24, NHAI utilized over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials, including fly-ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt, in National Highway construction. In addition to this, NHAI continued to undertake nationwide tree plantation drives along the National Highways. In FY 2023-24, NHAI planted over 56 lakh saplings and in 2024-25 it planted 67.47 lakh saplings, bringing the total tree plantation to over 4.69 crore since the implementation of the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance), Policy 2015. This initiative has helped to create substantial carbon sinks and enhance the positive environmental sustainability along the highways.
NHAI has also undertaken conservation and rejuvenation of water bodies along the National Highways. Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, NHAI has completed the development of 467 water bodies across the country. This initiative has not only rejuvenated local water sources but also provided nearly 2.4 crore cubic meters of soil for National Highway construction, resulting in estimated savings of approximately ₹16,690 crore.
Further, as per the report, the water use intensity of NHAI has reduced 74% in water stressed regions as compared to previous report. NHAI has integrated ‘Best Practice Guidance Document on Eco-friendly measures to mitigate impact of linear infrastructure on wildlife’, to alleviate man-animal conflict.
In addition to sustainable development, the report also highlights NHAI’s commitment to create inclusive and responsible work practices. As per the report, 100% of NHAI's direct employees and contract workers are covered under Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Framework. NHAI also reported zero instances of workplace discrimination, reflecting its strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and Transparency, NHAI successfully implemented AI-powered 'Data Lake 3.0' platform, that has streamlined project management and helped resolve 155 conciliation claims, leading to an estimated savings of about ₹25,680 crore. Furthermore, the 98.5% penetration of FASTag has facilitated reducing congestion and vehicular emissions at toll plazas besides reducing carbon footprint.
The complete report is available on NHAI website at https://nhai.gov.in/nhai/sites/default/files/2025-07/Sustainability-Report-of-NHAI-for-FY-2023-24.pdf
NHAI has taken significant steps towards adopting sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including the use of renewable energy sources, promoting green highways, and adopting waste management practices. The release of the second Sustainability Report provides a transparent account of NHAI's performance and sets a clear roadmap for future initiatives aimed at balancing rapid infrastructure growth with environment sustainability.
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False fire alarms, also known as nuisance alarms, are often triggered by factors other than actual fires. Common culprits include dust, humidity, steam, cooking fumes, and even insects or chemical odors. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained systems, as well as human error in activating manual call points, can also lead to false alarms.
ReplyDeleteHere's a more detailed breakdown:
Environmental Factors:
Dust:
Dust accumulation on or within the smoke detector can interfere with its sensors, causing it to activate.
Humidity/Steam:
High humidity levels or steam from showers, cooking, or even a steamy bathroom can be mistaken for smoke by the detector.
Cooking Fumes:
Burnt food, steam from boiling water, or even the general smoke from cooking can easily trigger a false alarm.
Chemicals:
Strong chemical odors from cleaning products, paint, or even construction work can be misinterpreted as smoke.
Insects:
Small insects attracted to the warmth of the detector can sometimes get inside and trigger a false alarm.
System Issues:
Low Batteries:
Low or dying batteries in smoke detectors can cause them to chirp or trigger false alarms intermittently.
Dirty Detectors:
Dust and debris can accumulate on the sensors of smoke detectors, affecting their sensitivity and potentially causing false alarms.
Malfunctioning Detectors:
Aging or faulty detectors can malfunction and trigger false alarms.
Poor System Design or Installation:
Incorrect placement of detectors or a poorly designed system can lead to false alarms.
Human Factors:
Accidental Activation:
Accidental activation of manual call points (break glass alarms) by people or objects can set off a false alarm.
Lack of Awareness:
A lack of understanding about fire safety protocols or how to properly use fire detection equipment can lead to false alarms.
Preventing False Alarms:
Regular Maintenance:
Clean detectors regularly, test them monthly, and replace batteries as needed.
Proper Placement:
Avoid placing detectors near kitchens, bathrooms, or areas prone to dust or humidity.
Good Ventilation:
Ensure proper ventilation in kitchens and other areas where cooking or steam is common.
Be Mindful of Chemicals:
Use cleaning products and other chemicals with proper ventilation and away from detectors.
Professional Help:
If false alarms persist despite your efforts, consult with a fire safety professional to assess your system.
False fire alarms can be triggered by various electrical issues, including power surges, faulty wiring, or problems with the smoke detector's power supply. Additionally, electromagnetic interference from other devices can sometimes cause false alarms.
ReplyDeleteHere's a more detailed look at electrical reasons for false fire alarms:
1. Power Surges and Fluctuations:
Power surges or fluctuations in the electrical system can disrupt the fire alarm system and cause it to trigger a false alarm.
This is particularly common in homes with hardwired smoke alarms.
If you experience frequent false alarms during storms or when appliances cycle on and off, it could be a sign of electrical issues.
2. Faulty Wiring:
Faulty wiring or loose connections within the smoke detector or the electrical system can also cause false alarms.
In some cases, the wiring might be old or damaged, leading to intermittent issues.
An electrician should inspect the wiring to identify and fix any problems.
3. Problems with Smoke Detector Power Supply:
Smoke detectors rely on a consistent power supply to function correctly.
Disruptions in the power supply, such as voltage fluctuations or issues with the backup battery, can cause the system to malfunction and trigger false alarms.
A low battery is a common cause of false alarms in battery-powered smoke detectors, so it's important to regularly check and replace batteries.
4. Electromagnetic Interference:
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other electrical devices can also affect fire alarm systems.
Certain appliances or electronic devices can generate electromagnetic fields that interfere with the alarm's sensors, leading to false alarms.
In such cases, try to keep the alarm away from potential sources of EMI.
5. Age and Malfunction of Detectors:
Smoke detectors have a limited lifespan, typically around 10 years.
Over time, their sensors can degrade, leading to malfunctions and false alarms.
It's crucial to replace old detectors to ensure they function correctly and provide reliable protection.
6. Poor Installation:
Incorrect installation of smoke detectors can also lead to false alarms.
Smoke detectors should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, away from potential false alarm sources like kitchens and bathrooms.
Ensuring proper mounting height and location is also important for accurate performance.
7. Other Factors:
While less common, other factors like high humidity, dust, insects, and even cooking fumes can also trigger false alarms.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the detectors, as well as proper placement, can help minimize false alarms.
Troubleshooting and Prevention:
Check the battery:
Replace batteries in battery-powered detectors regularly, even if they're not chirping.
Clean the detectors:
Dust and debris can interfere with the sensors. Clean detectors periodically with a vacuum or compressed air.
Check for other sources:
Make sure detectors are not near kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas prone to steam, humidity, or dust.
Inspect wiring:
Have an electrician inspect the wiring for any issues.
Consider an EMI filter:
If you suspect electromagnetic interference, an EMI filter on the alarm's power supply might help.
Install surge protectors:
If power surges are a problem, install surge protectors to safeguard the alarm system.
Regular maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance and testing of the fire alarm system to identify and address any potential issues.
To address a continuous fire alarm, first identify if it's a false alarm or a real fire. If it's a false alarm, try silencing the alarm using the "Hush" or "Test/Silence" button on the initiating smoke alarm or the fire alarm panel. If it's a real fire, evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department. If you're in a building with a fire alarm panel, locate it and follow the instructions to identify and isolate the specific zone where the alarm originated. In some cases, you may need to reset the alarm by turning off the circuit breaker for the smoke detectors.
ReplyDeleteIf it's a False Alarm:
Locate the initiating alarm:
Interconnected smoke alarms can all sound when one detects a problem. Identify the alarm with the flashing red light, usually the one that triggered the others.
Silence the alarm:
Press the "Hush" or "Test/Silence" button on the initiating alarm. This may silence all interconnected alarms.
Identify the cause:
If it's due to cooking smoke, open windows and doors to ventilate the area. If it's a dirty sensor, you may be able to clean it with a soft brush or compressed air.
Consider resetting:
If the alarm continues, you may need to reset it by turning off the circuit breaker for the smoke detectors.
If it's a Real Fire:
Evacuate immediately: Get out of the building and move to a safe location.
Call the fire department: Report the fire and provide as much detail as possible.
Follow the instructions of emergency personnel: Cooperate with firefighters and other first responders.
If you're in a building with a fire alarm panel:
Locate the panel:
It's usually in the lobby or a central area.
Identify the zone:
Follow the panel's instructions to find the zone where the alarm originated.
Isolate the zone:
If you need to isolate a zone for maintenance, follow the procedures outlined by the fire safety plan.
Ensure safety precautions:
If isolating a zone, implement procedures that are equivalent to or exceed the system's protection.
Important Considerations:
Don't remove batteries to silence a fire alarm.
If you're unsure about the cause of the alarm, always err on the side of caution and evacuate.
Consult the building's fire safety plan for specific instructions.
The code of practice for the selection, installation, and maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm systems in 2025, particularly BS 5839-1:2025, focuses on best practices for non-domestic buildings. This standard, which replaces the 2017 edition, provides detailed guidance on design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance to ensure effective fire safety and compliance with regulations.
ReplyDeleteKey Aspects of the Code of Practice:
Design and Installation:
The code offers recommendations for the placement of manual call points, guidelines for system extensions and modifications, and restrictions on unacceptable variations from standard practices.
Commissioning:
Proper commissioning is crucial to ensure the system functions as designed and meets performance criteria.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the system remains reliable and effective over time. This includes testing and calibration of alarm sensors, testing of annunciators, and coordination with the fire department.
Changes from Previous Editions:
The 2025 update incorporates lessons learned from fire incidents and evolving best practices, enhancing fire safety measures and streamlining compliance.
Industry Standard:
BS 5839-1:2025 is an industry-recognized standard for fire safety in buildings, supporting compliance with building regulations that require fire detection and alarm systems.
Specific Needs:
While BS 5839-1 provides broad recommendations, it's important to consider the specific needs of different building types and situations, such as healthcare facilities, which may have additional requirements.
Specific areas covered by the code of practice:
Control and Indicating Equipment:
The code provides guidance on the selection, installation, and maintenance of control and indicating equipment, including how different premises might require different information regarding system faults.
Manual Controls and Indicating Equipment:
The standard emphasizes the importance of locating manual controls and indicating equipment appropriately for the fire and evacuation procedures adopted and the personnel who will use the system.
Smoke Alarms:
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises that smoke alarms should be placed at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to minimize false alarms and should be mounted high on walls or ceilings, with wall-mounted alarms positioned no more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
Importance of Adherence:
Life and Property Protection:
Following the code of practice ensures that fire detection and alarm systems are properly designed, installed, and maintained, protecting both lives and property.
Compliance with Regulations:
The standard supports compliance with building regulations that mandate fire detection and alarm systems.
Incident Response:
The code helps in designing systems that can effectively respond to fire incidents and provide timely alerts to occupants.