NHAI to Develop ‘Arogya Van’ Thematic Medicinal Tree Plantations Along National Highways

In a significant step towards enhancing biodiversity and promoting ecological sustainability in National Highway development, the National Highways Authority of India has initiated the development of ‘Arogya Van’, a thematic plantation of medicinal trees on vacant land parcels along National Highways. The initiative aims to enrich roadside ecosystems by introducing medicinal plant species that support pollinators, birds and microfauna, thereby strengthening ecological resilience.
In the first phase, an action plan has been formulated covering 17 land parcels spanning over 62.8 hectares. Approximately 67,462 medicinal trees will be planted across various National Highway projects in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
Around 36 medicinal tree species such as Neem, Amla, Imli, Jamun, Lemon, Gular and Maulsari have been identified for plantation, based on their suitability to specific agro climatic zones. Priority will be given to land parcels located near toll plazas, wayside amenities, interchanges, cloverleaf junctions and other prominent highway stretches to enhance visibility and public awareness. The implementation will follow the Government of India guidelines on landscaping and plantation.
Traditionally, plantation along National Highways has focused on native and avenue tree species for greening and ecological stability. NHAI has identified approximately 188 hectares of vacant land for plantation during the upcoming monsoon season to ensure higher survival rates and long-term sustainability. The thematic focus on medicinal plants is expected to add ecological, educational and cultural value to these green spaces.
The initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s priority to promote traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and to conserve indigenous medicinal flora. These plantations are envisioned as living repositories that will raise awareness about traditional medicinal knowledge and its relevance in modern times.
The ‘Arogya Van’ initiative reinforces NHAI’s commitment to environmentally sustainable infrastructure development. By integrating ecological restoration with public outreach, it aims to create green corridors that enhance roadside ecology while serving as knowledge hubs showcasing India’s rich heritage of medicinal plants and sustainable living practices.