The Request states that a toll plaza, a site on a road with a line of tollbooths, is being constructed allegedly in the middle of a community market in Uttar Pradesh, India under the World Bank-financed Green National Highways Corridor Project (P167350). The Request states that the construction of the toll plaza with toll booths involves road widening, which has allegedly brought road fences very close to community shops. The Requesters are concerned that this will lead to the permanent closure of their shops, resulting in livelihood losses and unemployment for many community members who may be forced to migrate. The Request also states that there are numerous residential houses near the road. Widening of the road as well as new road fences may block access to these homes, potentially rendering residents homeless.
The Request adds that two schools are very close to the toll plaza and that tollbooths are being constructed in front of the school gates. They allege that, if construction continues, this will result in the closure of school gates affecting 367 children who will no longer be able to study in these schools and will have their education disrupted. The Request alleges that students would have to cross the widened road of and the tollbooths to enter to school buildings, which could increase the possibility of accidents. The Request also states that, although consultations were held near the Project area, no consultations were allegedly held with the Requesters' community regarding the Project.
The Requesters fear that, if the construction of the toll plaza and booths is not stopped, many households and shopkeepers will lose their livelihoods and will be forced to leave the area, leading to severe economic hardship, including facing the risk of starvation. The Requesters have expressed concerns about retaliation and reprisal, alleging that authorities are using police force to forcibly construct toll booths and widen roads in front of the community's market and schools.
As per the Panel’s process, an initial due diligence was undertaken to verify that the Request meets the relevant criteria for the Panel to admit the request. On March 7, 2025, the Panel met with Management, which provided an overview of the Project as well as its views on the issues raised in the Request in addition to a summary of its engagement with the community.
The Panel, being satisfied that the Request meets the criteria, registered the Request on March 14, 2025. Bank Management is required to provide a written response with their views on the issues raised in the Request by April 14, 2025, 21 days following the registration of the Request.
