NHAI To Develop Bee Corridors Along National Highways

23 Feb 2026 CW Team

NHAI described the programme as a response to observed declines in pollinator populations and the growing recognition of their role in food security and ecosystem stability. The corridors are intended to create linear habitats that link isolated green patches and agricultural lands, thereby enhancing ecological connectivity. The initiative will also seek to minimise the use of harmful agrochemicals in designated stretches to improve pollinator health.

Implementation will involve coordination with state road agencies, local bodies and biodiversity experts to select suitable plant species and maintenance regimes. Community engagement and capacity building will be prioritised so that roadside stewardship becomes sustainable over time. The authority will develop guidelines for planting, mowing and pesticide management tailored to regional climatic and ecological conditions.

Stakeholders anticipate that the bee corridors will contribute to enhanced roadside aesthetic values, increased habitat for native flora and fauna and indirect benefits for nearby agriculture through improved pollination services. Monitoring and adaptive management will be used to assess ecological outcomes and refine interventions. Data from pilot stretches will guide scaling up of the programme across the national highway network.

The programme forms part of broader efforts to mainstream biodiversity considerations into infrastructure planning and maintenance. NHAI will report progress through periodic updates and collaborate with environmental agencies to align actions with national conservation priorities. Continued evaluation and stakeholder dialogue are expected to shape long term success.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop bee corridors along national highways to boost pollinator conservation and restore roadside biodiversity. The initiative will focus on establishing continuous strips of native flowering plants along verges and medians to provide foraging and nesting resources for bees and other pollinators. The authority will aim to combine ecological design with routine maintenance to reduce habitat fragmentation and support insect movement. NHAI described the programme as a response to observed declines in pollinator populations and the growing recognition of their role in food security and ecosystem stability. The corridors are intended to create linear habitats that link isolated green patches and agricultural lands, thereby enhancing ecological connectivity. The initiative will also seek to minimise the use of harmful agrochemicals in designated stretches to improve pollinator health. Implementation will involve coordination with state road agencies, local bodies and biodiversity experts to select suitable plant species and maintenance regimes. Community engagement and capacity building will be prioritised so that roadside stewardship becomes sustainable over time. The authority will develop guidelines for planting, mowing and pesticide management tailored to regional climatic and ecological conditions. Stakeholders anticipate that the bee corridors will contribute to enhanced roadside aesthetic values, increased habitat for native flora and fauna and indirect benefits for nearby agriculture through improved pollination services. Monitoring and adaptive management will be used to assess ecological outcomes and refine interventions. Data from pilot stretches will guide scaling up of the programme across the national highway network. The programme forms part of broader efforts to mainstream biodiversity considerations into infrastructure planning and maintenance. NHAI will report progress through periodic updates and collaborate with environmental agencies to align actions with national conservation priorities. Continued evaluation and stakeholder dialogue are expected to shape long term success.

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