Source: New India Samachar, Vol. 6, Issue 18 (March 16–31, 2026) | newindiasamachar.pib.gov.in
NHAI is transforming India’s highway margins from ornamental landscaping into ecological corridors for pollinators — planting 4 million bee-friendly trees and shrubs by 2026-27 along national highways to support biodiversity, food security, and farmer incomes.
The Initiative
Implementing Agency: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Core Idea: Replace ornamental roadside plantations with native, bee-forage species — flowering trees and plants that provide year-round nectar and pollen for honeybees and other pollinators.
| Target | Value |
|---|---|
| Trees to be planted by 2026-27 | ~40 lakh (4 million) |
| Share under bee corridor initiative | ~60% of all NHAI plantations |
| Existing national highway network | 1,46,204 km |
Native Species Used
| Species | Local Name | Why Chosen |
|---|---|---|
| Azadirachta indica | Neem | Year-round flowering; drought-resistant |
| Pongamia pinnata | Karanj | Nitrogen-fixing; biofuel potential |
| Madhuca longifolia | Mahua | Critical tribal livelihood tree; spring flowers |
| Butea monosperma | Palash / Flame of the Forest | Prolific spring bloomer; also a dye source |
| Callistemon spp. | Bottle Brush | Long flowering season |
| Syzygium cumini | Jamun | Summer fruiting; edible for humans and birds |
| Albizia lebbeck | Siris | Fast-growing; shade + pollinator support |
All species are native or naturalised to India — avoiding the invasive species trap (e.g., Prosopis juliflora which has devastated ecosystems after being planted in roadside programmes).
Why Pollinators Matter
Ecological Significance:
- 75% of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators (FAO)
- Bees contribute an estimated $577 billion/year globally in crop pollination services
- India: ~50% of horticultural output depends on bee pollination
Pollinator Decline — Causes:
- Habitat loss (monoculture agriculture, urbanisation)
- Pesticide use (neonicotinoids particularly harmful)
- Climate change (alters flowering times vs. pollinator emergence timing)
- Disease (Varroa mite destroying honeybee colonies globally)
India-Specific:
- Honeybee population declining in Indo-Gangetic Plain (pesticide use)
- Traditional bee forage habitats (sacred groves, scrublands) shrinking
- Bee corridors along 1.46 lakh km of highways create a linear habitat network across the country
Connection to Apiculture (Bee Farming)
- National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM): ₹500 crore; 20 lakh bee colonies; target 1.25 lakh metric tonnes honey/year
- Bee corridors provide natural forage → reduces cost of maintaining bee colonies
- Supports tribal and rural apiculture livelihoods
- India is the 8th largest honey producer globally; target to be among top 3
Environmental Co-Benefits
| Benefit | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Carbon sequestration | Native trees store more carbon than ornamentals |
| Soil stabilisation | Deep-root species prevent highway embankment erosion |
| Stormwater management | Vegetation absorbs runoff, reduces flooding |
| Urban heat island mitigation | Green corridors lower road-side temperatures |
| Wildlife movement | Linear green patches aid small mammal and bird movement |
UPSC Relevance
GS3 — Environment & Ecology:
- Pollinators as ecosystem services providers (provisioning + supporting services)
- Biodiversity conservation outside protected areas: linear habitats, green corridors
- Invasive vs. native species in plantation programmes
- NBHM: apiculture as part of agricultural diversification
- Connection to Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): bees essential for natural farming ecosystems
GS3 — Infrastructure:
- NHAI’s expanding mandate: not just road construction but ecological stewardship
- Green Highways Policy 2015: mandates 1% of project cost for plantation along highways
Key Distinctions:
- Bee corridor ≠ wildlife corridor: bee corridors are linear plantation zones; wildlife corridors connect fragmented forest patches
- NHAI bee corridors: urban/semi-urban linear habitat; different from Elephant Reserve or Tiger Corridor
Facts Corner
- NHAI bee corridors: 4 million trees by 2026-27; 60% of all NHAI plantations
- Species: Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, Siris (all native)
- Global: 75% of food crops need pollinators; bees contribute $577B/year in services
- NBHM: ₹500 crore; 20 lakh colonies; target 1.25 lakh MT honey/year
- India: 8th largest honey producer globally
- National highway network: 1,46,204 km (March 2025)
- Green Highways Policy 2015: 1% project cost for roadside plantation
