PROMOTION OF GREEN HIGHWAY INITIATIVES

PROMOTION OF GREEN HIGHWAY INITIATIVES

Green Highway initiatives have promoted environmentally sustainable road construction by encouraging plantation along National Highways, the use of enavironmentally friendly construction materials, proper management of water resources, and measures to reduce carbon emissions during construction and maintenance activities. These initiatives aim to improve ecological balance and enhance the environmental sustainability of highway development.

The use of recycled materials in infrastructure development is increasing day by day due to various policy reforms and initiatives taken by the Government. The policy framework encourages sustainable construction practices and promotes the use of recycled and waste-derived materials in projects wherever technically feasible. Continuous efforts through guidelines, advisories, and technological advancements have created an enabling environment for wider adoption, thereby enhancing the potential and acceptance of recycled materials in construction activities.

Tree plantation and carbon offsetting measures have been integrated into National Highway projects as part of environmentally sustainable development under the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015 and Indian Roads Congress (IRC): SP:21 guidelines.

Under this framework, plantation is undertaken along the median, avenue, and other available Right of Way (RoW) of National Highways. Additionally, wherever tree felling is necessary for highway development, compensatory afforestation and tree transplantation are undertaken.

Technological innovations are increasingly being adopted in road construction to ensure environmental compliance and promote sustainable development. The use of recycled and waste materials such as fly ash, plastic waste, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and construction and demolition waste in highway projects is encouraged.

Further, the adoption of green initiatives, energy-efficient construction technologies, digital monitoring systems, and improved environmental management practices has helped reduce emissions, conserve natural resources, and minimize environmental impact during road construction. These innovations are implemented in accordance with relevant specifications and IRC guidelines to ensure compliance with environmental standards in highway development.

This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari  Ji in written reply to the Rajya Sabha.