Lok Sabha Question No. 1906 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-31
Subject: Green Highways
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Tharaniventhan M S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1906 ANSWERED ON 31 ST  JULY, 2025

## GREEN HIGHWAYS

1906. Shri Tharaniventhan M S:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation,  Beautification  and  Maintenance)  Project,  including the  total  length  of  highways  covered  and  number  of  trees  planted within Tamil Nadu;
- (b) the environmental and social benefits achieved so far, particularly in terms of carbon sequestration, air quality improvement and biodiversity conservation;
- (c)  the  challenges  faced  in  the  implementation  and  maintenance  of green  cover  along  highways,  including  issues  related  to  funding, coordination with State Governments and survival rate of plantations; and
- (d) the steps being taken to enhance the sustainability and community participation in the Green Highways initiative?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) Under the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, plantation is being undertaken

along various National Highway stretches in the country. Since 201516, approximately 5082 km of National Highways in Tamil Nadu have been covered with the plantation of over 27.18 lakh saplings till date. (b) Greening of highways  has  ensured  significant environmental benefits  in  terms  of  air  quality  improvement,  carbon  sequestration, reduction in noise pollution, air quality improvement, and biodiversity conservation  control  of  soil  erosion,  water  conservation,  climate resilience  and  biodiversity  conservation.  Environmentally,  the  trees planted  act  as  significant  carbon  sinks,  directly  mitigating  climate change, and drastically improve air quality by filtering pollutants and dust.  Socially,  the  project  has  generated  significant  employment opportunities  through  plantation  and  maintenance  activities,  while also  enhancing  the  aesthetic  appeal  of  highways  and  promoting community engagement and ownership in environmental conservation. Social benefits also include improved road safety,

- livelihood opportunities and aesthetic values.
- (c)  While insurmountable challenges are faced with as the plantation and maintenance of trees and plants are done in coordination with the State Governments as well as with local communities, maintenance of the plants and its survival in running highway conditions will always

pose a challenge. (d)  Government  through  its  implementing  agencies  is  taking  several steps such  as  use  of  native  species,  awareness  campaigns  etc.,  to enhance sustainability and community participation including engaging  school  children  and  the  local  communities  in  the plantation activities and special drives like Ek Pad Maa Ke Naam. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign is being implemented across the country where school children and community participation in plantation  drive  is  being  encouraged.  During  the  current  year,  an ambitious target of 55 lakh saplings has been set under the campaign

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0.

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