Why in the news?: NHAI to Develop First-of-Its-Kind ‘Bee Corridors’ Along the National Highways.
- Bee Corridors are linear stretches of land, along infrastructures like highways, which are planted and managed with nectar and pollen-rich vegetation to support bees and other pollinators.
- They function as ecological pathways that allow pollinators to move, feed and survive across fragmented landscapes.
What are the benefits?
- Helps enhance ecological outcomes and support pollinator conservation by ensuring the availability of nectar and pollen throughout the year.
- Aims to reduce ecological stress on honeybees and other pollinators that is adversely affecting pollination services, agricultural/horticultural productivity and ecological balance.
How does it work?
- It involves planting diverse flowering trees, shrubs and grasses that provide nectar and pollen, while preserving natural elements like weeds and dead wood to support pollinators.
- Species are carefully chosen so that different plants bloom in different seasons, ensuring near-continuous food availability for bees throughout the year.
Key plant species:
- Native, nectar-rich trees such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun and Siris.
Implementation
- Corridors will be developed along suitable stretches of National Highways and vacant NHAI land based on local agro-climatic conditions.
- NHAI field offices will identify sites and plan at least three pollinator corridors during 2026–27.
- Around 40 lakh trees will be planted along National Highways in 2026–27, with around 60 % under the Bee Corridor initiative.
Source: PIB