World Environment Day Special: Eco-Friendly Highways Being Built Through Recycling of Fly Ash and Industrial Waste

NHAI Focuses on Sustainable and Environment-Friendly Infrastructure Development

Raipur, June 2026 : The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is increasingly integrating environmental conservation into modern infrastructure development through a series of innovative initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable growth. By balancing modernization with ecological preservation, NHAI is creating a model of green infrastructure that is becoming particularly visible across several highway projects in Chhattisgarh.

One of the key aspects of this approach is the use of recycled industrial waste in highway construction. By utilizing materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution, NHAI is helping reduce carbon emissions while advancing the concept of eco-friendly road development.

Recycling Industrial Waste for Highway Construction

NHAI has set a new benchmark in sustainable construction by using fly ash, a by-product of thermal power plants, in highway projects. A significant portion of the fly ash generated by power projects in Chhattisgarh is now being effectively utilized in road construction.

During 2024–25, a record 21.7 million metric tonnes of fly ash were used in various infrastructure projects across the state. In 2025–26, more than 6.2 million metric tonnes were utilized, while nearly 2 million metric tonnes have already been consumed during the current financial year 2026–27.

In addition to fly ash, NHAI has promoted the recycling of alternative materials such as steel slag, rubber from discarded tyres, and bio-bitumen. A total of 30,477 metric tonnes of such recycled materials were used during 2024–25, followed by 2,691 metric tonnes in 2025–26, helping turn the vision of green highways into reality.

Water Conservation and Groundwater Recharge

Beyond road construction, NHAI has placed significant emphasis on water conservation and groundwater replenishment, particularly in rural areas.

Across the country, including regions surrounding highways in Chhattisgarh, 13 Amrit Sarovars (water reservoirs) have been restored or developed. To strengthen rainwater harvesting efforts, the number of water harvesting pits increased dramatically from 14 in 2024–25 to 105 in the following year.

To reduce the use of potable water for construction activities and plantation maintenance, NHAI utilized 323 kilolitres of treated water sourced from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), demonstrating an efficient and sustainable approach to water management.

Eco-Friendly Infrastructure in Sensitive Forest Zones

NHAI has also adopted advanced engineering solutions to protect wildlife habitats in ecologically sensitive regions.

A notable example is the nearly 3-kilometre-long state-of-the-art tunnel being developed in the environmentally sensitive Sitanadi-Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary area of Chhattisgarh. The tunnel will allow vehicular traffic to pass underground, minimizing disturbance to the forest ecosystem and preserving the natural environment.

Special sound barriers are being installed to reduce traffic noise and prevent disturbance to wildlife and bird species. Additionally, monkey canopies are being constructed above roadways to facilitate safe movement of tree-dwelling animals, while dedicated elephant passages and animal underpasses are being developed to ensure the unhindered movement of wildlife across habitats.

Bee Corridors and Medicinal Parks for Local Prosperity

NHAI is also transforming highways into living ecological corridors through several innovative projects.

Special Bee Corridors are planned along highways passing through both plains and forest regions of Chhattisgarh. These corridors are expected to enhance natural pollination in nearby agricultural fields, thereby increasing crop productivity and benefiting local farmers.

At the same time, Medicinal Parks are being developed on unused and barren land along highways. Thousands of medicinal plants such as Neem, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Aloe Vera, and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) will be planted, contributing to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” (A Tree in Mother’s Name 2.0) campaign, NHAI planted more than 250,000 saplings along national highways and road dividers across Chhattisgarh during the past year, setting a new benchmark in the creation of green highways.

These initiatives highlight NHAI’s commitment to building infrastructure that not only supports economic growth and connectivity but also protects natural resources, conserves biodiversity, and promotes long-term environmental sustainability.