🌱 Green Highways: 40,000 Trees to Line Delhi–Dehradun Route
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a bold step towards merging infrastructure with sustainability. On June 14, 2025, a massive tree plantation drive was launched along the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor at Katha Toll Plaza, located in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh.
This initiative is part of the national ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign, aiming to plant 40,000 trees along the highway. It symbolizes India’s growing commitment to green infrastructure.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and NHAI participated actively in the event. Notably, Shri V. Umashankar, Secretary of the Ministry, planted the first sapling to kickstart the campaign.
In addition, top NHAI leaders joined him:
He was joined by several senior NHAI officials, including Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav, Member (Administration) Vishal Chauhan, and Member (Technical) Alok Deepankar.
Also present were Mohammad Safi, Regional Officer (Delhi); Vishal Gupta, Regional Officer (Uttarakhand); and Narendra Singh, Project Director of PIU Baghpat.
Moreover, officials from the local administration showed strong support. District Magistrate Asmita Lal, Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai, and SDM Avinash Tripathi also planted saplings, emphasizing the joint commitment of state and central agencies.
🌱 Students Step Up for the Planet
Significantly, school students from nearby areas took part in the event. Many planted trees alongside officials, holding placards to spread awareness about environmental sustainability.
Their presence not only added enthusiasm but also reflected how green values can be instilled at an early age. Consequently, such community involvement strengthens public participation in government-led initiatives.
🛣️ Why This Green Drive Matters
The Delhi–Dehradun Corridor is more than a transport project. It’s a lifeline that will reduce travel time, ease traffic, and boost economic growth between Delhi and Uttarakhand. However, NHAI is ensuring that this progress does not come at the cost of nature.
Therefore, planting 40,000 trees along the corridor offers multiple ecological benefits, such as:
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Cleaner air for nearby communities
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Reduced soil erosion during monsoons
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Better biodiversity through natural habitat growth
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Lower noise pollution from traffic
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Balanced local temperatures
These benefits clearly highlight how green infrastructure can go hand in hand with economic progress.
🌍 A National Movement: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’
The plantation drive is part of a broader campaign under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’, a movement that honors motherhood while promoting climate resilience.
So far, NHAI has planted over 5.12 lakh trees along National Highways across India. The goal is to make tree plantation a nationwide mission, with the help of:
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Local government bodies
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School children and institutions
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Civil society groups
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Central ministries and stakeholders
Collectively, these efforts aim to build a climate-resilient road network across the country.
✅ Conclusion: Paving Roads, Planting Hope
In summary, this tree plantation drive shows how highways can serve both transport and the planet. With strong participation from leaders and youth alike, NHAI is setting a benchmark for eco-conscious infrastructure.
This initiative is not just about planting trees—it’s about planting a sustainable future.