Map & concept mind-map: Green Highways Projects in India

Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Polity & Governance

The government, under the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy 2015, has been actively promoting afforestation along national highways (NHs) as part of its broader environmental sustainability initiatives. Over the past five years, approximately 1.32 lakh km of NHs have been covered with over 3.61 crore saplings planted along the right-of-way (ROW) and median strips, with costs typically borne within the project outlays for NH development and maintenance. The policy, aligned with Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines SP:21, mandates compensatory afforestation, tree transplantation, and the use of recycled materials like fly ash, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and plastic waste in road construction to minimize environmental impact. These measures not only enhance green cover but also align with India’s climate commitments under international agreements, making them relevant for aspirants preparing for exams like RBI Grade B, where environmental governance and sustainable infrastructure are key themes.

For banking and SSC examinations, the Green Highways initiative highlights the intersection of infrastructure development, fiscal policy, and environmental governance—critical areas often tested in descriptive and objective sections. The policy’s emphasis on cost-efficiency, where plantation expenses are integrated into NH project budgets, reflects prudent financial management, a concept frequently examined in banking exams. Additionally, the use of recycled materials in construction underscores India’s push for circular economy principles, a topic increasingly relevant in SSC’s general awareness and economic surveys. The initiative also demonstrates the government’s multi-pronged approach to climate action, linking it to broader themes like carbon offsetting and sustainable urban planning, which are pertinent for RBI Grade B’s socio-economic and environmental governance segments.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

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