India to Develop Thematic Medicinal Tree Plantations Along the National Highways

In a significant step towards enhancing biodiversity and integrating ecological sustainability into National Highway development, NHAI has initiated the development of ‘Arogya Van’, thematic medicinal tree plantations on vacant land parcels along the National Highways.

The initiative aims to enrich biodiversity along the National Highways by introducing medicinal tree species that support pollinators, birds and microfauna, thereby strengthening ecosystem resilience.

The ‘Arogya Van’ initiative reinforces the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) commitment towards developing environmentally sustainable infrastructure. 

NHAI is working towards sustainable highways through eco-friendly construction, landscaping, and maintenance. They utilise solar lighting, recycled materials, and extensive tree plantations (green corridors) to reduce carbon footprints, manage stormwater, and protect biodiversity.

Recently, NHAI released the first-of-its-kind report on the National Highways Green Cover Index, providing a scientific and quantitative assessment of green cover along India’s National Highways network.

The National Highways Authority of India is also planning to develop bee corridors along National Highways, which will feature a continuous linear stretch of bee-friendly vegetation.

The latest initiative, ‘Arogya Van’, plans to develop medicinal tree plantations along the National Highways. The first phase of the action plan has been formulated, covering 17 land parcels spanning over 62.8 hectares, where around 67,462 medicinal trees will be planted along different National Highways.

The projects are planned in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.  

Also, around 36 tree species with established medicinal properties, such as Neem, Amla, Imli, Jamun, Lemon, Gular, Maulsari, etc., have been identified and will be planted at land parcels as per suitability to the respective agro-climatic zones.

Priority will be given to land parcels near toll plazas, wayside amenities, interchanges, cloverleaf junctions and other prominent stretches along National Highways to maximise public awareness and outreach.

Implementation of the initiative will be in accordance with the Government of India guidelines on landscaping and tree plantation.

Traditionally, tree plantations along the National Highways have been undertaken using a mix of native and avenue tree species aimed at greening and ecological stabilisation.

NHAI has identified approximately 188 hectares of vacant land for plantations during the forthcoming monsoon season to ensure higher survival rates and long-term sustainability.

Adoption of a thematic model focusing on medicinal tree species will enhance the ecological, educational, and cultural value of such plantations.

Initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s priority to promote traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, and contribute towards the conservation of indigenous medicinal flora.

Further, these plantations are envisaged as living repositories that will create public awareness about traditional medicinal knowledge systems and their relevance in contemporary times.

By integrating ecological restoration with public outreach, the initiative aims to create a network of green corridors that not only enhance roadside ecology but also serve as knowledge hubs, promoting awareness about India’s rich heritage of medicinal plants and sustainable living practices.