- Why in news
- On 8 April 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways announced that NHAI will develop 'Arogya Van', thematic medicinal tree plantations on vacant land along National Highways.
- What it is
- NHAI Arogya Van is a thematic plantation model. It uses medicinal tree species on vacant land parcels along National Highways. It combines roadside greening with public awareness of traditional medicine such as Ayurveda.
- First phase
- An action plan covers 17 land parcels over 62.8 hectares, with about 67,462 medicinal trees.
- Species
- About 36 medicinal species, such as Neem, Amla, Jamun and Imli, were identified. They will be planted according to the agro-climatic zone.
- Site priority
- Priority goes to parcels near toll plazas, wayside amenities and interchanges to maximise public awareness.
- Wider plantation drive
- NHAI has identified about 188 hectares of vacant land for plantation in the coming monsoon season.
- Aim
- The initiative supports pollinators, birds and microfauna, and strengthens ecosystem resilience.
Don’t confuse with Arogya Van vs. Green Highways Policy: Arogya Van is an NHAI thematic medicinal plantation on vacant parcels. The Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015 is the broader policy for highway plantation.
Environment: Prelims tests bodies, programmes and the law behind them; Mains asks why plans fall short.
Why it matters
- Adds biodiversity and habitat for pollinators and birds along highways.
- Promotes awareness of Ayurveda and conservation of indigenous medicinal flora.
Problems
- Survival of saplings depends on watering, upkeep and the monsoon timing.
- Plantations on highway land risk encroachment, pollution stress and weak long-term maintenance.
Way forward
- Use native, climate-suited species and monitor survival rates over time.
- Involve local communities and institutions in upkeep and in sharing knowledge.
Put in your answer
Green corridors: Example of integrating ecological restoration with infrastructure, creating green corridors and knowledge hubs.
- 2018Mains GS3 · Q13Assess National Horticulture Mission's role in horticulture production, productivity and farmer income.
- 2019Mains GS3 · Q15How does India protect traditional medicine knowledge from pharmaceutical patenting?
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: A lasting biodiversity and highways initiative, but few facts a statement could turn on.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.