The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to develop Odisha's first 'bee corridor' featuring nearly 20,000 flowering plantations along highway stretches in Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, and Ganjam districts. This project aims to boost biodiversity, conserve honeybees, and enhance the ecological value of roadside plantations, according to the NHAI regional office in Odisha.
Shift Towards Ecological Landscaping
Officials stated that this initiative marks a significant shift from ornamental roadside planting to ecological landscaping through continuous belts of bee-friendly vegetation. The plan ensures year-round availability of nectar and pollen for pollinators, supporting their survival and reproduction.
Addressing Ecological Stress
A statement from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways highlighted that the project is designed to support pollinator conservation and address growing ecological stress on honeybees and other pollinating species. It warned that a decline in pollinator populations could adversely affect agricultural and horticultural output, as well as broader ecological balance.
Identified Highway Stretches
NHAI has identified specific stretches of national highways passing through the three districts for the plantation drive. Flowering tree clusters will be planted at intervals of approximately 500 meters to 1 kilometer, aligned with the average foraging range of honeybees and wild bees. An NHAI official confirmed on Monday that the Talcher-Kamakhyanagar and Kamakhyanagar-Duburi sections of NH-53, the Angul-Sambalpur section of NH-55, and the Puintola-Ichhapuram section of NH-16 have been selected for this initiative.
Plant Species and Timeline
The official added that saplings of neem, karanj, arjun, kadamba, jamun, tamarind, and kanchan, among others, will be planted. A tender will be floated for plantation and maintenance, with planting scheduled during the monsoon season. The target is to complete the plantation along the three highway stretches by March 2027.
Comprehensive Vegetation Plan
Under the programme, a mix of trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses will be planted, while preserving wild elements by encouraging nectar- and pollen-rich species and allowing flowering weeds to grow. Officials emphasized that plant species will be selected to ensure staggered flowering in different seasons, so blooming continues almost throughout the year.
Future Expansion
The authority indicated that similar corridors may also be developed along other national highway stretches and vacant NHAI land, depending on agro-climatic conditions and local suitability.
