About Lesson
V.5. Green Highways Policy, 2015
- India has a total of 46.99 lakh kms of road length, including over 96214 kms of National Highways, carrying about 40% of the traffic load.
- Vision to develop eco-friendly National Highways with community participation, involving farmers, NGOs, the private sector, institutions, government agencies, and the Forest Department.
- The objective is to reduce the impacts of air pollution and dust, arrest soil erosion, and reduce the glare of oncoming vehicles.
- ISRO’s Bhuvan
- Community involvement in tree plantation generates employment.
- 1% of the total project cost of all highway projects allocated for highway plantation and maintenance, generating employment opportunities for rural areas.
- Provisions about responsibilities are clearly defined.
- Monitoring of plantation status included using ISRO’s Bhuvan and GAGAN satellite systems.
- Highways developed as green corridors sustain biodiversity, regenerate natural habitat, and benefit stakeholders.