Green Highway Projects: Plantation and Sustainable Materials on National Highways
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The government has released data on plantation along national highways over the past five years, covering 1.32 lakh km with over 3.61 crore plants. It also highlights the use of recycled materials and eco-friendly technologies in highway construction.
Background
The Green Highway (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy 2015 was launched to promote greening of highway corridors. Plantation is carried out as per IRC:SP:21 guidelines on available median and roadside land.
Key facts
Over 1.32 lakh km of national highways covered with plantation in the last five years.
More than 3.61 crore plants have been planted along national highways.
Plantation cost is included in total project cost of NH projects.
Miyawaki method of plantation and drone monitoring are being used.
Compensatory afforestation and transplantation are done when trees are cut.
Recycled materials used include fly ash, RAP, C&D waste, plastic waste, slag, crumb rubber, etc.
Use of bamboo crash barriers, jute/coir geotextiles, bio-bitumen, and treated water from STPs is promoted.
State-wise plantation data for FY 2021-22 to 2025-26 is provided in the annexure.
Prelims pointers
- Green Highway (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy 2015
- IRC:SP:21 guidelines
- Miyawaki method
- Compensatory afforestation
- RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement)
- C&D waste (Construction and Demolition waste)
- STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) treated water
- Bamboo crash barriers
- Bio-bitumen
- National Highway (NH) projects
Mains angles
- Discuss the environmental and economic benefits of using recycled materials in highway construction.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of the Green Highway Policy in achieving sustainable infrastructure.
- Analyze the role of technology (e.g., drone monitoring, Miyawaki method) in enhancing green cover along highways.