NHAI and NRSC Collaborate to Develop Green Cover Index for National Highways

In a significant move to enhance the green cover along National Highways in India, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has joined hands with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to develop a comprehensive Green Cover Index. This initiative aims to leverage advanced technologies and satellite imagery to efficiently monitor and manage the plantation efforts along the extensive network of National Highways across the country.

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Harnessing Technology for Greener Highways

Since the introduction of the Green Highways Policy in 2015, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and NHAI have prioritized the greening of Highway Corridors. However, the current monitoring system relies heavily on site visits by field personnel, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Recognizing the potential of emerging technologies, NHAI has collaborated with NRSC to harness the power of high-resolution satellite imagery for accurate and comprehensive green cover estimation.

Pan-India Green Cover Index

NRSC, headquartered in Hyderabad, will undertake a pan-India estimation of green cover along National Highways using high-resolution satellite imagery. This Green Cover Index will provide valuable insights into the extent and distribution of green cover along the National Highways, enabling targeted interventions in regions that require additional greening efforts.

Proof of Concept and Future Assessments

NRSC has already successfully conducted pilot projects to demonstrate the feasibility of estimating green cover along National Highways. Building on this success, the first assessment cycle of the Green Cover Index will capture region-wise data for National Highways. Subsequent annual cycles will focus on analyzing the growth patterns of green cover using scientific techniques, allowing for continuous monitoring and evaluation.

Granular Metrics for Informed Decision-Making

The Green Cover Index will provide granular metrics for every 1 km length of the National Highways. This detailed information will facilitate the comparison and ranking of various National Highways, enabling timely and periodic interventions. Additionally, it will support the generation of project-specific metrics, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding plantation management and resource allocation.

The collaboration between NHAI and NRSC marks a significant step forward in the greening of National Highways in India. By leveraging advanced technologies and satellite imagery, the Green Cover Index will provide a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, ensuring the effective management and enhancement of green cover along these vital transportation corridors. This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and environmental conservation, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the nation.