Bengaluru: In an attempt to turn NH 4 (Bengaluru-Nelamangala) and NH 7 (Bengaluru – Hyderabad) green, nearly 1,200 and 2,000 avenue plants were placed along the 7-km stretches, according to a report by Bangalore Mirror.
In view of the rising threat of global warming, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways brought about provisions in policy to construct green highways. In accordance with the policy, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) began implementing these provisions in September 2018.
Speaking to BM, NHAI Project Director Somashekar said, “Planting trees along the highways is very important. It will help in reducing air pollution and dust. It will also provide shade on glaring hot roads during summer and it will reduce the effects of wind and incoming UV radiations.”
Although the Nelamangala Highway had previously featured a few plants, NHAI officials made the decision to increase the number of plants adorning the stretch. NHAI Site Engineer Nikhil said, “We chose Nelamangala Highway and added more beautiful avenue plants to it. These plants will grow quickly and provide beauty to the entire stretch and will have a positive value on the environment.”
The different species of plants for the project are sourced from the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) which has a five-year MoU with the NHAI. The MoU also bestows the responsibility of maintaining the plants on the KFD.
Elaborating on the project, Nikhil said, “We have just funded the entire project but the KFD will be in charge of the plantation, nurture, and growth for the next five years. We will regularly check on the trees and bring sick or dying trees to the notice of the KFD. After five years, we will take over the maintenance.”
Hailing the highway beautification project, local environmentalist Vijay Nishanth said, “The selection of plant species is excellent. These will help in reducing the urban heat and provide a cooling effect. They will also improve air quality by filtering dust and pollutants. They will also provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.”
For instance, Honge helps cool the environment. Nerale, also known as the Jamun tree, is known to house many birds,” he added.
Some other species of flora to be planted along the avenues include Kaadu Badami, Neem, Indian fig tree, Singapore Cherry, Peepal tree, Mahagony tree, Arjuna, Tatasi and several others.
The NH 7 project is estimated to cost Rs 1.15 crores for planting 3, 347 trees while the NH 4 project is expected to cost Rs 0.432 crores.
