Raipur (thestates.news) | Alongside rapid road development, a new chapter of greenery is being written in Chhattisgarh. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a massive plantation drive across the state under its campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”. Till now, a total of 2,71,253 saplings have been planted this year. Of these, 2,02,959 are new plantations, while 68,297 saplings were replanted to replace damaged ones. With this initiative, the state’s national highways are no longer just transport routes but are steadily transforming into lush green corridors.
NHAI has exceeded its set targets and created a record in plantation. The Raipur–Visakhapatnam (NH-130CD) project recorded the highest number with 97,145 saplings, followed by 46,141 along Maharashtra Border–Durg–Raipur–Odisha Border (NH-53). Similarly, 23,020 saplings were planted along Champa–Korba–Katghora (NH-149B), 16,847 on Bilaspur–Katghora (NH-130), 14,400 on Bilaspur–Urga–Pathalgaon (NH-130A), and 5,406 along Simga–Raipur–Dhamtari (NH-30).
The plantation has been carried out in two distinct formats: median plantation, where saplings were planted on road dividers, and avenue plantation, which included fruit-bearing and shade-giving trees along the roadsides. Special attention has also been given to replacing damaged saplings from previous years to ensure sustained greenery.
Speaking on the initiative, Pradeep Kumar Lal, Regional Officer of NHAI Raipur, said: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ is not merely a plantation campaign, but an investment in greenery for the future generations. Our goal is not just building highways, but also creating a healthy and beautiful environment in harmony with nature.(S-PIB)
