In a significant move to promote biodiversity and ecological sustainability in National Highway development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched the ‘Arogya Van’ initiative, which focuses on creating thematic plantations of medicinal trees on vacant land parcels along National Highways.
Through this initiative, NHAI aims to strengthen biodiversity corridors along highways by introducing medicinal tree species that support pollinators, birds, and microfauna. As a result, the programme will help improve ecosystem resilience while enhancing the ecological value of roadside landscapes.
First Phase Covers 62.8 Hectares Across Multiple States
As part of the first phase, NHAI has prepared an action plan covering 17 land parcels spanning 62.8 hectares. Under this plan, authorities will plant around 67,462 medicinal trees along various National Highway projects.
These plantations will be undertaken across several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
Selection of Medicinal Tree Species
To ensure ecological and medicinal value, NHAI has identified around 36 tree species known for their medicinal properties. These include Neem, Amla, Imli, Jamun, Lemon, Gular, and Maulsari, among others.
Importantly, the selection of species will depend on the agro-climatic suitability of each region, ensuring better growth, survival, and long-term ecological benefits.
Strategic Plantation Locations for Greater Visibility
To maximize public awareness and outreach, NHAI will prioritize plantation sites near toll plazas, wayside amenities, interchanges, cloverleaf junctions, and other prominent stretches along National Highways.
Moreover, the implementation of the initiative will follow the Government of India’s guidelines on landscaping and tree plantation, ensuring systematic and sustainable development.
Expanding Plantation Efforts Along Highways
Traditionally, tree plantation along National Highways has focused on native and avenue tree species aimed at greening highways and stabilizing the roadside environment. However, the Arogya Van initiative introduces a thematic approach that highlights the ecological and cultural importance of medicinal plants.
In addition, NHAI has identified approximately 188 hectares of vacant land for plantation during the upcoming monsoon season, which will help achieve higher survival rates and long-term sustainability.
Promoting Traditional Medicinal Knowledge
As reported by pib.gov.in, the initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s focus on promoting traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda. By planting indigenous medicinal species, the programme will contribute to the conservation of traditional medicinal flora.
Furthermore, these plantations will function as living repositories of medicinal plants, helping raise public awareness about India’s rich heritage of traditional medicinal knowledge and its relevance in modern healthcare.
Creating Green Corridors and Knowledge Hubs
Through the Arogya Van initiative, NHAI aims to develop environmentally sustainable infrastructure while restoring ecological balance along highways. By integrating ecological restoration with public engagement, the programme will gradually create a network of green corridors.
These corridors will not only enhance roadside biodiversity but will also serve as educational spaces, encouraging people to learn about medicinal plants, sustainable living practices, and India’s traditional healing systems.