2.5 lakh saplings planted by NHAI last year

New Delhi: For green, clean and pollution-free National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had undertaken a massive plantation drive and planted 2.59 lakh plants in last one year. It was decided to institutionalise plantation as an integral part of highway development and moreover, a PMIS portal was also being developed for monitoring the progress of plantation, a statement said. NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar has also directed all the Regional Officers to ensure plantation of at least one lakh plants during the current monsoon season. They have been advised to involve concessionaires, contractors, civil society, forest department and other stakeholders. The Green Highways Division of NHAI had circulated the list of suitable species to be planted in the monsoon season. This plantation drive would continue as a regular activity during monsoons and even after that with watering and maintenance thereon, the statement said. (UNI)