New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an initiative to develop ‘Arogya Van’thematic plantations of medicinal trees on vacant land parcels along national highways. The initiative aims to enhance biodiversity by introducing medicinal tree species that support pollinators, birds and microfauna, thereby strengthening ecosystem resilience along highways.

In the first phase, an action plan has been prepared for 17 land parcels covering over 62.8 hectares. Around 67,462 medicinal trees will be planted along various national highway projects in states including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

About 36 medicinal tree species—such as neem, amla, imli, jamun, lemon, gular and maulsari—have been identified for plantation, based on their suitability to different agro-climatic zones. Priority will be given to locations near toll plazas, wayside amenities, interchanges, cloverleaf junctions and other prominent stretches to maximise public visibility and awareness.

NHAI has also identified around 188 hectares of vacant land for plantation during the upcoming monsoon season to ensure better survival and long-term sustainability. Traditionally, plantation drives along highways have focused on native and avenue trees for greening and ecological balance. However, this thematic approach is expected to add ecological, educational and cultural value.

The initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s focus on promoting traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and conserving indigenous medicinal plant species. DeshGujarat