NHAI released the first National Highway Green Cover Index in coordination with ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre. The index provides a scientific and quantitative assessment of green cover within the right-of-way area of India's national highway network. In simple terms, it uses satellite data to measure the condition of trees and green cover along national highways. This will help track afforestation progress and support better monitoring of environmental compliance on highway corridors.
For exams, read it as an example of using satellite data to measure green cover and monitor environmental compliance. Static topics such as remote sensing, afforestation and highway management link directly to it. In the economy and infrastructure context, it shows how a large national highway network can be managed more sustainably. In RAS and UPSC prelims, questions may test the institution, the index name, the data source, the objective and the use of the index. In mains, it can be used as an example of technology-based governance, infrastructure development and environmental monitoring.
For static-GK linkage, read this with national highway management, remote sensing, satellite-based mapping and environmental compliance. The initiative shows how public agencies are increasingly using data-based methods to monitor large physical networks. It should therefore be remembered not only as a new index, but also as an example of combining highway development with environmental protection.