The Maharashtra Forest Department has given its nod for the widening of the National Highway 7 stretch that passes within the eco-sensitive zone of Pench National Park. The approval for expansion of the 37-km stretch between the 652 km milestone on Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border and the 689 km milestone near Mansar in Nagpur district was sought by the NHAI. Strangely, while reminding the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) of the conditions of the eco-sensitive zone (area within 10 kms of National Parks and sanctuaries) to be met, the Forest Department has certified the sensitivity of the stretch as "nil". This despite its own report stating that the patch has animals including tiger, leopard, spotted deer, wild boars, sambhar and barking deer, besides rich mixed vegetation, including teak. About 112 hectares of forest land which needs to be divested has a reserved forest status. At least 22,482 trees will also have to be cut to facilitate widening of the road. Forest Department Nodal Officer Shailendra Bahadur said, "We have recommended the proposal. But the NTCA may consult the PCCF (Wildlife) before accepting it." PCCF (Wildlife) B Majumdar refused to comment on the matter.