NHAI recommends early tree plantation along highways for densification

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed a new approach to tree plantation along highways during the initial stages of road construction. The NHAI aims to prioritise the planting of native tree species like Mahua, Bael (wood apple), gular, and bamboo, which are gradually declining.

Traditionally, avenue plantation begins after the completion of highway projects, which takes approximately three to four years. However, the NHAI now recommends initiating plantations early on in the road development process.

The NHAI suggests that with careful planning, plantation efforts can be advanced so that by the time the highway construction is finished, some trees will have already grown in the avenue plantations on both sides of the national highways. The guidelines for densification of plantations along national highways, released by the NHAI, state, "It is advised that after approximately six months to one year from the start date, we may consider undertaking the plantations, at least in the last row, during the monsoon season."

Under the existing standard operating procedure, three rows of plants are cultivated, with a three-meter gap between the rows. The first row has a three-meter spacing between plants, while the second and third rows have a six-meter and 8-12 meter gap, respectively.

However, in the new guidelines, a three-meter spacing between plants will be maintained regardless of the row in future plantation initiatives. The NHAI has also decided to prioritise the planting of bamboo along highways whenever feasible, particularly on controlled access highways.