Posted On:
07 MAY 2026 4:10PM by PIB Chandigarh
Reaffirming its commitment to environmentally sustainable National Highway development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Regional Office Chandigarh, is slated to undertake the development of pollinator (bee) corridors along identified stretches of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway during the upcoming monsoon season.
The initiative aligns with the Green Highways Policy, 2015 and the approved Annual Plantation Action Plan 2026-27, reflecting a calibrated shift towards ecologically responsive plantation practices.
Under the vision of the Chairman, NHAI, the “Trees for Bees” campaign promotes plant species supportive of bees and other pollinators that aid crop production for farmers. Accordingly, the proposed corridors will feature continuous stretches of bee-friendly vegetation with carefully selected flowering species ensuring year-round availability of nectar and pollen.
Under the approved action plan for 2026-27, a total of 386,653 saplings are proposed to be planted across Punjab and Haryana, including:
148,725 plants in Punjab
237,928 plants in Haryana
Plantation activities will be carried out during the forthcoming monsoon season, leveraging favourable climatic conditions to ensure optimal growth and higher survival rates.
Pollinators such as honeybees and wild bees play a critical role in agriculture, horticulture, and ecological balance. However, their populations are declining declining significantly due to multiple environmental and pollution-related factors. National Highway plantations present a unique opportunity to support these species by creating suitable habitats through careful species selection and planned plantation.
Under this initiative, the following stretches have been identified for implementation:
Punjab: From the junction with Patiala-Bathinda Road (NH-7) near Bhawanigarh to the junction with Ludhiana-Malerkotla Road near Bhogiwal village
Haryana: Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, Package 5 (NE-5)
The corridors will feature a diverse mix of native and locally suitable species such as Neem, Jamun, Arjun, Amaltas, Peepal, Kadam, Amla and Neeli Gulmohar, along with suitable shrub species in the medians. The species selection has been designed to ensure staggered flowering across seasons, enabling a near-continuous blooming cycle.
To enhance ecological connectivity, clusters of flowering trees will be planted at intervals of approximately 500 metres to 1 kilometre, in line with the average foraging range of pollinators.
To be implemented under a focused campaign titled “Trees for Bees”, this initiative will be carried out within the ambit of the approved Annual Plantation Action Plan 2026-27, without any additional financial implications. It is expected to deliver significant ecological benefits, strengthen biodiversity, and further reinforce NHAI’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
NHAI continues to lead by example in integrating sustainability into infrastructure development, setting new benchmarks for environmentally responsible growth across the country.
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