NHAI Plants Over 5 Lakh Saplings Along Odisha Highways in Four Months

The National Highway Authority of India has planted more than 5.20 lakh saplings across Odisha during the past four months as part of an extensive greening campaign along highway corridors. The initiative aims to expand green cover and enhance biodiversity in areas surrounding national highways, according to a statement from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways released Monday.

The plantation campaign encompasses multiple programs, including the Arogya Van initiative, which focuses on medicinal plants. Under this program, 2,500 medicinal plants have been established at Kunduli in Koraput district along the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor. The species planted include indigenous varieties like Bahada, Neem, Harida, and Amla, aimed at preserving traditional medicinal flora and the region's natural heritage.

The NHAI's bee corridor project has resulted in the planting of 39,337 saplings of pollinator-friendly species such as Neem, Arjun, Kadamba, and Radhachuda. This initiative is designed to support pollinator populations and strengthen the ecological balance along highway stretches. Additionally, 87,338 plants have been placed along highway medians, featuring flowering varieties like Bougainvillea, Tecoma, and Calliandra to enhance visual appeal while contributing to greener road infrastructure.

The broader plantation effort also includes 6,000 bamboo plants and over 7,000 plants through community plantation activities. The highway authority has extended the program to schools, colleges, and other community spaces to promote public participation in environmental conservation efforts.