National Highways Authority Of India To Develop Bee Corridors

The National Highways Authority of India will develop bee corridors along national highways to boost pollinator conservation, the agency said. The initiative is designed to create continuous stretches of native flowering vegetation adjacent to road verges and service roads to support pollinators and enhance ecological connectivity. NHAI indicated the corridors will integrate with existing landscape features and follow environmental safeguards. The design will consider seasonal flowering periods to maximise benefits for diverse pollinator species.

The project will prioritise native plant species known to provide nectar and pollen and will seek input from ecologists and local communities to ensure local suitability. Implementation will focus on utilising median strips, verges and interchanges to establish habitat without compromising road safety or maintenance operations. The authority indicated monitoring protocols will be established to assess pollinator activity and habitat health. Maintenance regimes will be tailored to minimise disturbance while supporting plant establishment.

Officials said the corridors are expected to deliver co benefits including soil stabilisation, reduction of invasive species and enhancement of roadside aesthetics. The measure aligns with broader conservation goals and with efforts to maintain ecosystem services that support agriculture and biodiversity. Partnerships with state agencies, research institutions and local stakeholders were described as central to long term success. Capacity building and periodic reviews will guide adaptive management.

Funding and specific timelines were not disclosed in the release but the authority suggested phased roll out linked to routine highway works and upgrades. Technical guidelines will be developed to standardise planting, maintenance and safety measures across different climatic zones. The authority invited stakeholders to engage in planning to ensure the corridors meet ecological and operational objectives. Community outreach and public awareness campaigns will accompany planting to foster stewardship along corridors.

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