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NHAI to Develop ‘Arogya Van’ Along National Highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to develop ‘Arogya Vans’ on vacant land along National Highways. These green spaces aim to promote public health, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity. The initiative will include medicinal plants, walking tracks, and wellness zones for travelers. It aligns with India’s broader goals of sustainable infrastructure development and ecological conservation, while also improving roadside amenities for highway users.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed the development of ‘Arogya Vans’ on vacant land along National Highways. This initiative aims to combine infrastructure development with environmental sustainability.

The project will create green zones with:

  • Medicinal plants
  • Herbal gardens
  • Walking paths
  • Rest and wellness areas

These spaces will benefit highway travelers by providing relaxation zones and promoting health awareness.

NHAI functions under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It manages over 1.4 lakh km of national highways in India. The initiative supports the Green Highways Policy, which promotes tree plantation and eco-friendly development.

The concept of Arogya Van is linked to the AYUSH system, which uses traditional medicinal plants. This helps preserve biodiversity and promotes natural healing methods.

Previously, India has launched green corridor projects and roadside plantation drives. This initiative expands those efforts by adding health-focused infrastructure.

In the future, Arogya Vans may:

  • Improve air quality
  • Enhance biodiversity
  • Promote eco-tourism
  • Support public wellness

🔑 Key Points

  • NHAI will develop Arogya Vans along highways
  • Focus on medicinal and herbal plants
  • Supports Green Highways Policy
  • Promotes AYUSH-based healthcare awareness
  • Improves roadside amenities
  • Enhances environmental sustainability
  • Uses vacant land efficiently
  • Helps reduce pollution levels

🧠 Concept Link (Very Important)

  • Green Highways Policy promotes tree plantation along roads
  • AYUSH includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy
  • Sustainable development balances growth and environment
  • Biodiversity conservation protects plant species
  • Carbon sequestration reduces atmospheric CO₂
  • Urban forestry improves air quality

❓ Practice Questions (MCQ)

1. Arogya Van initiative is launched by which organisation?
A) NITI Aayog
B) NHAI
C) ISRO
D) FCI

Answer: B

2. Arogya Vans mainly focus on which type of plants?
A) Cash crops
B) Medicinal plants
C) Industrial crops
D) GM crops

Answer: B

3. NHAI works under which ministry?
A) Ministry of Environment
B) Ministry of Finance
C) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
D) Ministry of Health

Answer: C

4. Arogya Van supports which traditional system?
A) WTO
B) AYUSH
C) NATO
D) SEBI

Answer: B

5. Green Highways Policy is mainly related to:
A) Digital infrastructure
B) Tree plantation along highways
C) Railway expansion
D) Port development

Answer: B

📜 Previous Year Question (Similar Type)

1. Which ministry is responsible for National Highways in India?
Answer: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

2. What is the main aim of Green Highways Policy?
Answer: Plantation and environmental protection along highways

⚠️ Examiner Trap

Students often confuse Green Highways Policy with Smart Cities Mission. Both are different initiatives.

🧭 Exam Tip

Focus on organisation (NHAI), ministry, and environmental linkage. Questions are often factual.

🏷️ Topics Covered

  • NHAI
  • Arogya Van
  • Green Highways Policy
  • AYUSH
  • Medicinal Plants
  • Sustainable Development
  • Infrastructure
  • Environment
  • Ministry of Road Transport
  • Biodiversity