The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched ‘Arogya Van’, an initiative to develop thematic medicinal tree plantations on vacant land parcels along National Highways. The initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and ecological sustainability in highway infrastructure by introducing medicinal tree species that support pollinators, birds and microfauna, thereby strengthening ecosystem resilience.
Highlights of ‘Arogya Van’ Initiative
First Phase Coverage:
- Action plan formulated for developing 17 land parcels spanning over 8 hectares, where 67,462 medicinal trees to be planted along different National Highway projects
- States covered: Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh
- 36 tree species identified with established medicinal properties including Neem, Amla, Imli, Jamun, Lemon, Gular and Maulsari
- NHAI has identified approximately 188 hectares of vacant land for plantations during the forthcoming monsoon season
Key Features
- Species selected as per agro-climatic zone suitability of respective regions
- Priority to land parcels near toll plazas, wayside amenities, interchanges and cloverleaf junctions for maximum public outreach
- Plantations envisaged as living repositories of traditional medicinal knowledge
- Implementation in accordance with Government of India guidelines on landscaping and tree plantation
Significance
- Supports pollinators, birds and microfauna strengthening ecosystem resilience along highways
- Aligns with GoI’s priority to promote Ayurveda and traditional systems of medicine
- Contributes to conservation of indigenous medicinal flora
- Creates green corridors serving as knowledge hubs for traditional medicinal plant awareness