Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Mr Nitin Gadkari launched the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015 at a function organized in September. The aim of the policy is to promote greening of highway corridors with participation of the community, farmers, private sector, NGOs, and Government institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nitin Gadkari said that 1 per cent of the total project cost of all highways projects will be kept aside for the highway plantation and its maintenance. He said that about Rs. 1000 crore per year will be available for plantation purpose. He added that this policy will generate employment opportunities for about five lakh people from rural areas. He added that there will be strong monitoring mechanism in place by using ISRO’s Bhuvan and GAGAN satellite systems. Every planted tree will be counted and auditing will be done. The agencies performing well will be awarded. He called for suggestions from people for smooth implementation of the policy. He also asked the state Governments to start programmes on similar lines.