Published: 16 February 2026PIBEnvironment
NHAI Announces India's First 'Bee Corridors' Along National Highways
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced a first-of-its-kind initiative to develop 'Bee Corridors' along National Highways on February 17, 2026. The corridors will feature continuous stretches of bee-friendly vegetation with native nectar-rich plants including Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Jamun, and Siris.
Flowering clusters will be planted at intervals of 500 metres to 1 km, matching the average foraging distance of honeybees. NHAI plans to plant approximately 40 lakh trees along National Highways in 2026-27, with 60% under the Bee Corridor initiative. At least three pollinator corridors will be developed as pilots. The initiative aims to address the ecological stress faced by honeybees, which impacts pollination services, agricultural productivity, and ecological balance.
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Q: Discuss the ecological rationale behind NHAI's Bee Corridors initiative along national highways.
Answer (50 words):
The National Highways Authority of India announced Bee Corridors on 17 February 2026, planting native nectar-rich species like Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris at 500-metre-to-1-kilometre intervals matching honeybee foraging range. NHAI will plant 40 lakh trees in 2026-27, sixty percent under this initiative, with three pilot pollinator corridors.
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Linked questionMedium
How many trees does NHAI plan to plant along National Highways in 2026-27?
Explanation · Correct answer ANHAI plans to plant approximately 40 lakh trees in 2026-27, 60% under the Bee Corridor initiative.
Frequently asked questions
What first-of-its-kind highway initiative did NHAI announce on February 17, 2026?
The National Highways Authority of India announced an initiative to develop Bee Corridors along National Highways. The announcement was made on February 17, 2026.
Which plants are planned for the Bee Corridors along National Highways?
The corridors will feature continuous stretches of bee-friendly vegetation with native nectar-rich plants. These include Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris.
How will flowering clusters be spaced in the NHAI Bee Corridors?
Flowering clusters will be planted at intervals of 500 metres to 1 km. This matches the average foraging distance of honeybees.
What scale and ecological purpose did NHAI set for the Bee Corridor initiative?
NHAI plans to plant approximately 40 lakh trees along National Highways in 2026-27, with 60% under the Bee Corridor initiative, and at least three pilot pollinator corridors. The initiative aims to address ecological stress faced by honeybees, which affects pollination services, agricultural productivity, and ecological balance.
