Brief explanation of what a green highway is and its focus on sustainability
A green highway is a roadway that is intentionally designed with sustainability in mind – to reduce its environmental impact and provide benefits to the communities it serves. It emphasizes eco-friendly construction, energy efficiency and responsible environmental practices > attempts to reduce pollution > conserve resources > and contribute to a green and healthy ecosystem.
We are well aware of the climate changes discussed in our previous posts and understand the environmental impacts resulting from excessive construction. In case you missed the post, “(Click Here, and All You Need to Know About Their Impacts on Climate Change).” In India, especially in 2023 and 2019, we saw an increase in landslides due to extensive construction activities, especially in hilly areas. These incidents resulted in loss of human life and significant damage to infrastructure. Now, there is an important need to focus on the protection and conservation of the environment, with emphasis on sustainable construction practices.
In the early stages of highway project planning, especially during the formulation of land acquisition plans, the need for dedicated land acquisition for avenue plantation and landscape enhancement is often overlooked. As a result, after construction, planting is restricted to the limited available space. The width of the remaining right of way (ROW) is sometimes inadequate to accommodate even one row of plants, while in other areas, there is a possibility of planting three to four rows. To ensure a consistent width for avenue plantation, it is necessary to include the requirement of land earmarked for plantation in the land acquisition plans right from the beginning of the project. This proactive approach guarantees optimal utilization of planting spaces, effectively enriching the corridor with greenery.
Let’s look at the definition of highway
Let’s look at the definition of highway
A highway is a major road or route, especially a road connecting major cities. It is generally designed to carry large volumes of traffic at high speeds. Highways typically have multiple lanes, controlled access, and limited intersections.
In the United States, the term “highway” is often used as a synonym for “controlled-access highway”, which is a highway with limited access points and no at-grade intersections. However, in other countries, the term can be used to refer to any major road, regardless of access control.
We all know that highways play an essential role in the transportation systems of most countries. They enable swift and efficient travel for both people and goods between major cities and regions. Highways also foster economic development by granting access to markets and vital resources.
Examples of Highways
- Interstate Highways in the United States
- national highways in India
- Autobahn in Germany
- Autoroutes in France
- Motorways in the United Kingdom
Let’s Look into the figures and facts,
Elements of a Green Highway
Green highways can be incorporated into existing roadways or created from scratch. They may include a variety of features, such as –
- Planting native trees and shrubs: Trees and shrubs help filter air and water pollution, reduce noise levels, and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Permeable pavement: Permeable pavement allows rainwater to seep into the ground, which helps reduce runoff and replenish groundwater supplies.
- Bioswales: Bioswales are vegetated channels that collect and filter stormwater runoff.
- Rain gardens: Rain gardens are shallow depressions that collect and filter rainwater from roofs and other impervious surfaces.
- Solar Panels: Solar panels can be used to generate electricity to power highway lights and other infrastructure.
Green Highways: The Path to a Sustainable Future
Green highways provide many benefits, including
- Better air quality: Green highways can help improve air quality by filtering pollutants from the air.
- Reduction in water pollution: Green highways can help reduce water pollution by filtering storm water runoff and replenishing groundwater supplies.
- Reducing noise levels: Trees and bushes can help reduce noise levels from traffic.
- Improved wildlife habitat: Trees and shrubs can provide habitat to a variety of wildlife.
- Enhanced aesthetics: Green highways can be more aesthetically pleasing than conventional highways.
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Green highways can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy sources and reducing the need for vehicles to travel long distances to find fuel and other services.
Your Attractive Heading
Green Highway Policy in India
- The Government of India introduced the Green Highway Policy in 2015 to transform highway corridors into eco-friendly places.
- Encourages participation of various stakeholders: communities, farmers, private sector, NGOs and government institutions.
- For all highway projects 1% of the total project cost is allocated for highway plantation and maintenance.
- Promotes the use of native trees and shrubs along with involving local communities in plantation and maintenance activities.
- Takes advantage of innovative technologies to increase plant survival rates.
- This resulted in millions of trees being planted along highways across India.
- Positive outcomes include improved air quality, reduced noise levels and creation of habitats for wildlife.
- Policy implementation has created employment opportunities and boosted the rural economy.
Ultimately, green highways are vital to a sustainable transportation system, providing many benefits to both the environment and the communities they serve. As more nations adopt green highway practices, we expect reductions in air and water pollution, reductions in noise levels, and declines in greenhouse gas emissions.
We can all contribute to supporting green highways by planting trees and shrubs in our yards and communities, supporting businesses and organizations committed to sustainability, and advocating for green highway policies and practices at the local, state, and national levels.
A Message to All
Let us join hands in adopting the vision of sustainable development. Every small effort is worthwhile, and together, we can promote a greener and more harmonious world. Our collective commitment to supporting green initiatives holds the key to making a positive impact on our environment and communities. The future is within our reach, and together we can make it sustainable and bright.”