The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) presented Green Highways Excellence Awards recognising best practices in roadside plantation. The Warangal project implementation unit (PIU) of the Hyderabad regional office (RO) secured the first place for median plantation while the Amaravati PIU of the Vijayawada RO took the first prize for avenue plantation. The Nagpur PIU was awarded the first prize for plantation in land parcels.

Nominations were invited through an online portal and shortlisted entries were evaluated to select the winners. The evaluation relied on a 100-mark criterion that included survival rate of plantations, site specific action plans, the quality of planting material and protection measures. Species diversity and other parameters were also assessed as part of the comprehensive scoring framework.

The awards are intended to promote sustainable greening along national highways and to reward effective implementation by regional offices and their project implementation units. Emphasis on measurable outcomes encouraged adherence to planting standards and ongoing protection of vegetation. The recognition is expected to motivate replication of successful approaches across jurisdictions.

The selection process highlighted the importance of survival rates and species diversity in determining long term success of plantations. The criteria also rewarded site specific planning and use of quality planting material to ensure sustainability. Officials indicated that transparent evaluation and online nominations strengthened accountability in the greening programme.

Local stakeholders and implementing teams were commended for adopting best practices in species selection, watering regimes and protective measures that support long term survival. Such approaches contribute to enhanced biodiversity, improved roadside aesthetics and reduced soil erosion, delivering environmental and social benefits along transport corridors. NHAI indicated that the awards will inform future policy on highway greening and encourage continued investment in plantation maintenance and monitoring.