NHAI Releases Annual Report On National Highways Green Cover Index

13 Mar 2026 CW Team

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released the first annual report on the National Highways Green Cover Index (NHGCI) that aims to assess and promote greening along the national highway network. The report establishes a baseline and sets out a framework for measuring tree canopy, roadside plantation health and ecological connectivity using satellite data and field verification. It explains the methodology, indicators and timelines for periodic assessment and notes the role of agencies, contractors and local communities in implementation.

The NHGCI highlights progress in roadside plantation and afforestation efforts while acknowledging variation in survival rates and canopy cover across regions. It draws attention to efforts to increase species diversity, enhance native planting and improve maintenance regimes to maximise ecological and social benefits. The document also links roadside green cover to air quality, biodiversity conservation and resilience to extreme weather events.

The report identifies challenges including soil and water constraints, invasive species and the need for long term monitoring and maintenance to ensure planted saplings mature into sustained canopy. It recommends prioritising native species, adopting efficient irrigation and mulching practices and using geotagging and remote sensing for transparent monitoring. The NHGCI proposes collaboration with state authorities, urban local bodies and civil society to improve outcomes.

The NHAI intends to publish the index annually to track trends, refine methodology and inform planning for compensatory afforestation and landscape level interventions. The authority expects that sustained investment and improved governance will enhance the highway corridor environment while supporting national climate commitments. Stakeholder engagement and adaptive management are presented as central to carefully realising the long term vision set out in the report.

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