New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India released the first annual report measuring roadside vegetation through the National Highways Green Cover Index.
The authority prepared the report with support from the National Remote Sensing Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation. The assessment uses satellite technology to measure vegetation within the Right of Way along national highways.
Officials explained that high-resolution satellite sensors detect chlorophyll content in vegetation. Therefore, analysts can estimate green cover along both sides of the highway corridor with greater accuracy.
The Green Cover Index expresses vegetation coverage as a percentage of land within the Right of Way. In addition, the analysis measures each highway segment at a one-kilometre resolution.
During the first assessment cycle, analysts examined nearly 30,000 kilometres of highways across 24 states. They used satellite data captured between July and December 2024 for the evaluation.
Satellite monitoring improves highway plantation tracking
NHAI and the National Remote Sensing Centre signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024 to support this monitoring initiative. As a result, authorities can analyse vegetation trends across large highway networks more efficiently.
Officials also said the system will track annual changes in roadside plantations. Consequently, planners can compare highway stretches and identify areas that require additional plantation efforts.
Moreover, the assessment supports better management of green corridors along transport infrastructure. Authorities expect the data to guide targeted environmental interventions in the coming years.
The report also explains how satellite monitoring can strengthen policy planning for sustainable highway development. Furthermore, it highlights the role of scientific tools in evaluating ecological improvements along road corridors.
A copy of the report is available on the NHAI website for public reference.
