In News:

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched India’s first dedicated ‘Bee Corridors’ along National Highways as part of sustainable and ecological infrastructure development.

What are Bee Corridors?

• Definition: Continuous linear stretches of pollinator-friendly vegetation developed along National Highways.
• Composition: Flowering trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses providing year-round nectar and pollen.
• Design Principle: Staggered seasonal flowering to ensure near-continuous bloom cycles.
• Shift in Approach: From ornamental roadside plantations to biodiversity-supportive ecological plantations.

Objectives

To reduce ecological stress on honeybees and other pollinators by ensuring sustained nectar sources, thereby strengthening agricultural productivity and ecological balance.

• Promote pollinator conservation.
• Integrate biodiversity into highway infrastructure.
• Support climate-sensitive and sustainable plantation planning.

Key Features

1. Native, Nectar-Rich Species

Plantation will include native species such as: Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun and Siris. These species support biodiversity and pollinator habitats.

2. Staggered Blooming Cycle

• Species selected to flower in different seasons.
• Ensures continuous food supply for honeybees and wild pollinators.

3. Habitat Support Measures

• Retention of flowering weeds.
• Preservation of dead wood and hollow trunks beneficial for pollinators.

4. Strategic Spacing

• Flowering clusters planted every 500 metres to 1 kilometre.
• Based on the average foraging distance of honeybees.
• Corridors to be developed along suitable NH stretches and vacant NHAI land parcels depending on agro-climatic conditions.

Implementation Plan (2026–27)

• Total Plantation Target: ~40 lakh trees along National Highways.
• Under Bee Corridor Initiative: ~60% of total plantation.
• Initial Phase: At least three dedicated pollinator corridors to be developed.
• NHAI field offices to identify suitable highway sections.

Significance

Ecological Significance

• Enhances pollination services essential for agriculture and horticulture.
• Helps counter declining pollinator populations.
• Strengthens ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.

Economic Significance

• Improved pollination boosts crop productivity.
• Supports rural livelihoods dependent on agriculture and apiculture.

Infrastructure Significance

• Integrates environmental sustainability into highway development.
• Aligns infrastructure expansion with climate and biodiversity goals.