National highways through state to get green touch

PANAJI: The Union ministry of road transport, highways and shipping inked an agreement with Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) to beautify segments of the national highways passing through the state by planting flower and fruit-bearing saplings of trees indigenous to Goa.

Under the Green Highways (Plantations, Transplantations, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy-2015, around 261km stretch of national highways will be developed into green highways. The initiative is part of a countrywide effort towards voluntary carbon emission reduction by up to 35% by 2030.

The memorandum of understanding was signed at a maritime conference at a South Goa resort in the presence of Union minister Nitin Gadkari and chief minister Manohar Parrikar.

Chairman of the corporation Deepak Prabhu Pauskar announced the inking of the agreement along with the corporation's vice chairman Sidharth Kuncalienker. The MoU was exchanged between the corporation's managing director Srinet Kothwale and regional in-charge for the ministry of road transport.

The Union ministry has sanctioned Rs 64.37 crore for the plantation and maintenance of the trees for a period of five years.

The green highways policy was drafted by the Union ministry of road transport and highways to develop green corridors along national highways for sustainable environment and inclusive growth.

According to the policy objectives, eco-friendly national highways are to be developed in participation with local communities, farmers, NGOs, private sector institutions, government agencies and forest departments.

Citizens and farmers can plant trees and sapling on their properties lying adjacent to national highway. In such cases, plantation and maintenance cost will be reimbursed by the National Green Highway Mission.

"Roadside plants, especially local varieties, have immense potential to enhance the green cover of Goa and create a scenic route for travellers," Kuncalienker said.