New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched a nationwide plantation drive under the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign 2024. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to promote a cleaner and greener India under the Swachh Bharat Mission, commemorating its 10th anniversary.
The plantation drive aligns with the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gadkari, along with Minister of State for Road Transport Harsh Malhotra, planted trees at the Duhai interchange of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Gadkari emphasized the government's commitment to reducing pollution through technological innovation and the promotion of electric vehicles. He highlighted the critical need to reduce fossil fuel emissions, which significantly impact public health and life expectancy.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has played a key role in promoting environmental sustainability, having planted around 46 lakh trees this year. NHAI has also adopted the Miyawaki method of plantation and installed eco-friendly bamboo crash barriers along 10 kilometers of national highways. Over 30,000 people participated in the plantation drive across the country.
Since the Green Highways Policy was implemented in 2015, NHAI has planted approximately 4 crore trees and transplanted 70,000 trees along national highways.
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