Clearing and Grubbing – Methodology (MoRTH Clause 201) | Highway Construction

    1. Scope of Work

    Clearing and Grubbing is the first activity before earthworks. It covers removal and disposal of vegetation including trees (up to 300 mm girth), bushes, shrubs, stumps, roots, grass, weeds, rubbish and top organic soil up to 150 mm thick. The scope includes draining stagnant water, backfilling pits created by uprooting trees and compacting to required density as per MoRTH Clause 305.3.4.

    Works must be completed prior to embankment or subgrade construction.

    2. Measurement of Tree Removal

    Each tree is measured by girth (circumference) at 1.0 m above ground (or at top of stump if stump height < 1.0 m). Trees are recorded in a Tree Enumeration Register and approved by the Engineer prior to cutting.

    Girth (mm)CategoryNotes
    Above 300 to 600SmallRemoved by manual or light machinery (JCB/tractor).
    Above 600 to 900MediumRequires mechanical uprooting (excavator).
    Above 900 to 1800LargeHeavy equipment and skilled handling needed.
    Above 1800Extra-largeStaged cutting, deep excavation and special safety precautions.

    Example: If you have 5 small, 3 medium, 2 large and 1 extra-large tree in a chainage, record each category separately for measurement and payment.

    3. Reference Documents

    • Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) Specifications — Clause 201
    • Concession Agreement / Contract Documents

    4. Preservation of Property & Amenities

    Protect roadside utilities, structures and trees marked for retention. Use erosion-control measures such as berms, dykes, sediment basins, slope drains or temporary turfing to prevent runoff and pollution as per MoRTH 201.2.

    5. Equipment

    • Grader / Dozer
    • Excavator / JCB
    • Tipper / Tractor Trolley
    • Roller
    • Water Tanker
    • Survey Kit

    6. Method of Operation

    1. Establish the toe line jointly (Concessionaire & EPC Contractor) using approved alignment and levels.
    2. Prepare & approve Tree Enumeration for trees >300 mm girth before cutting.
    3. Remove trees <= 300 mm girth, stumps and roots by manual or mechanical means.
    4. Use grader, dozer and excavator to clear shrubs, grass and top organic soil (≤150 mm) unsuitable for use.
    5. Ensure no stumps/roots remain within 500 mm of subgrade.
    6. Trim overhanging branches for safety and visibility.
    7. Backfill pits with approved material and compact to specified density.
    8. Record Original Ground Level (OGL) after compaction and handover for earthworks.

    7. Disposal of Materials

    Dispose unserviceable material at Engineer-approved sites. Stack serviceable timber, stumps and boulders neatly within a 1000 m lead for salvage or auction as per contract instructions.

    8. Safety

    • Deploy minimum two flagmen with reflective vests and red flags to control traffic near works.
    • Provide visible warning signs and barricades at all locations adjacent to the existing road.
    • No machine shall be left unattended on carriageway or shoulder unless secured.
    • Safety Officer to make regular patrols and ensure signage and safeguards remain operational.

    9. Environmental Safety

    • Dispose deleterious materials only at approved dumping locations.
    • Keep vehicle tracks moist and sprinkle water to control dust emissions during movement and operations.

    10. Quick RFI Checklist (for Site Execution)

    Use this short checklist to raise Requests for Information (RFI) before starting works:

    • Confirm toe-line / ROW limits for clearing.
    • Approve Tree Enumeration (trees >300 mm).
    • Identify disposal locations for unserviceable material.
    • Confirm stacking area for salvage (≤1000 m lead).
    • Approve compaction method & OGL survey procedure.

    Summary

    Clearing and Grubbing under MoRTH Clause 201 is a critical pre-construction activity that readies the site for durable highway works. Proper measurement, safe removal, controlled disposal and environmental measures ensure compliance, safety and long-term performance of pavement works.

    Quick Reference: Clearing & Grubbing (MoRTH Clause 201)

    • Scope: Removal of vegetation, trees, stumps, roots, bushes, grass, weeds, rubbish and top organic soil (≤150 mm) from the construction area.
    • Tree Measurement: Girth measured at 1.0 m above ground (or stump top if stump height <1.0 m); payment per number as per girth category.
    • Tree Girth Categories: 300–600 mm (small), 600–900 mm (medium), 900–1800 mm (large), >1800 mm (extra-large).
    • Equipment Used: Dozer / Grader, Excavator / JCB, Tipper, Roller, Water Tanker, Survey Kit.
    • Operation Sequence: Establish toe line → Tree enumeration → Clearing of vegetation & stumps → Backfilling & compaction → OGL survey.
    • Disposal: Stack serviceable materials (e.g. timber, boulders) within 1000 m; dispose unserviceable debris at approved locations.
    • Safety Measures: Use flagmen, reflective jackets, traffic signs, and ensure no machinery is left unattended on the carriageway.
    • Environmental Controls: Prevent dust emission by sprinkling water and ensure deleterious waste is dumped only at designated sites.
    • Reference Documents: MoRTH Clause 201, Concession Agreement / Contract Documents.

    Top 10 FAQs – Clearing & Grubbing (MoRTH Clause 201)

    1. What is Clearing and Grubbing in road construction?
      It is the initial site preparation activity that involves removal of vegetation, trees, stumps, roots, bushes, and top organic soil (up to 150 mm thick) before starting earthworks.
    2. Why is Clearing and Grubbing important?
      It ensures a clean, stable, and obstruction-free ground surface for constructing embankment, subgrade, and other pavement layers.
    3. How are trees measured for removal?
      Tree girth is measured at 1.0 m above ground or at the top of the stump (if stump height is less than 1.0 m).
    4. What are the categories of tree measurement?
      (i) 300–600 mm – Small
      (ii) 600–900 mm – Medium
      (iii) 900–1800 mm – Large
      (iv) >1800 mm – Extra-large
    5. Which equipment is used for Clearing and Grubbing?
      Grader, Dozer, Excavator, Tipper, Roller, Water Tanker, and Survey Kit.
    6. What happens to the cleared material?
      Serviceable materials (like timber or boulders) are stacked within 1000 m for reuse or auction, and unserviceable debris is disposed at approved locations.
    7. How is environmental safety maintained?
      Dust control by regular water sprinkling, proper waste disposal, and safeguarding nearby vegetation and structures.
    8. What are the key safety measures?
      Use flagmen with reflective vests, display warning signs, and ensure no machinery is left unattended on the roadway.
    9. When is Original Ground Level (OGL) taken?
      After completion of clearing, grubbing, and compaction of the ground surface.
    10. Which documents or standards apply?
      MoRTH Clause 201, relevant contract or concession agreement, and Engineer’s approved drawings.

    🛣️ Highway Construction Methodology Series

    Explore step-by-step construction methods for all pavement layers as per MoRTH 5th Revision and IRC Guidelines.

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