green highways for sustainable environment & inclusive...

Green Highways for Sustainable Environment & Inclusive Growth

Initiative towards fulfilling India's commitment for voluntary carbon emissions reduction of up to 35 % by 2030 - CoP 21 Summit

Vision DocumentStrategy - Mission - Action Plan

National Green Highways Mission National Highways Authority of India

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

Promoting research & innovation in green pathways

sector

Green Highways for reinforcing India’s

CoP 21 commitment

Integrated Green Corridor

development along upcoming highways

projects

Green Corridors along 1 lakh km

developed National Highways

Creating Sustained Employment for 1

lakh workers

Making Green Highways Mission

self sustainable

Ministry of Road Transportand Highways

Government of India

MESSAGE

National Highways are the lifeline of Indian road infrastructure. They account for only 2 % of our road network but carries 40 % of automobile traffic, which is also a cause of concern from environmental perspective. It is the intention of our government to make our highways green, clean and pollution free. At present, different types of arrangements exist, with respect to raising and maintaining roadside plantations, and because of this, the greening initiative is neglected. To smoothen the process, MoRTH has recently unveiled Green Highways Policy - 2015 for undertaking Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance activities along National Highways. National Green Highways Mission under NHAI has been made nodal agency for effective implementation and monitoring of Green Highways Projects.

As its first step, NGHM has developed Vision document comprising strategy, missions and action plan for next ten years for executing Green Highways Projects. NGHM will work towards green corridor development along upcoming and developed National Highways with participation of the communities, farmers, NGOs, private agencies and other stakeholders.

It is expected to develop green cover on approximately 4 lakh acre land in next ten years which will help in sequestering about 12 lakh MT carbon annually. This comes at a time when concern for neutralizing ill effects of pollution is shared globally. I am sure Green Highways Projects will go a long way in fulfilling commitment made by India during CoP 21 summit for 35 % reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

We intend to create 1 lakh direct employment opportunities for next ten years in plantations and maintenance activities. Equal amount of self employment opportunities will also be created in nursery, tree guard manufacturing and agri-processing sectors during the life cycle of the project.

The efforts made by NGHM in developing this Vision document are commendable and I am sure we can achieve our mission of green highways to make Clean, Green and Pollution free India.

(Nitin Gadkari)

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HIGHWAYS AND SHIPPINGGOVERNMENT OF INDIA

NEW DELHI-110 001

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MESSAGELoss of vegetation is one of the inevitable consequences of highway development. As of now, it is the responsibility of the highway development agencies to offset the loss through corridor development and management. It is experienced that the scenario of roadside plantation is not satisfactory in most of the projects implemented through BOT, DBFOT and public funded projects. It is the intention of our government to develop an institutional mechanism for roadside plantations which could contribute in pollution containment and enhance aesthetics of our highways.

Green Highways Policy - 2015 has been the genesis of Green Highways Mission, which will be the nodal agency for greening our highways. Green corridor development along highways will be taken up in scientific manner and plantation of native indigenous trees / shrubs species suitable for roadside plantations will be preferred.

To improve the aesthetics of highways, sites of cultural, historical importance will be marked and the landscaping activities will be planned. Additional land requirement for such purposes will also be explored.

Vacant land parcels near flyovers and road alignments which are kept for future road widening and maintenance operations will also be utilized for plantation of commercially viable agro-forestry species. This can also be taken up under PPP model for generating additional funding resources for Green Highways Mission. The efforts will be on making Mission self-sustainable, generating sufficient revenues for future extension of plantations and maintenance activities.

For plantations, NGHM will involve the local institutions like local self-government, JFMCs & SHGs for plantations, watering, protection and sharing usufructs. Local self-government may assist in selecting the plantation agencies in their areas. All plantations, except those carried out by the Forest Department in compliance to any statutory conditions, will be carried out under a MoU entered by the NGHM with the plantation agency. Convergence with schemes of other departments and agencies will be articulated and encouraged wherever feasible.

I am hopeful that the Vision document cum strategy & action plan developed by NGHM will play a crucial role in improving ecology, economy and equity of the Nation.

(Pon. Radhakrishnan)

CHAIRMANNATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

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MESSAGE

NHAI is committed towards development of quality National Highways for the growth of Indian economy. Often this development comes by default at the cost of exploitation of our limited natural resources, making ecosystem susceptible to climate change and global warming effects. Air, noise and dust pollution caused by use of transportation mediums have irreversible effects on the environment posing an imminent health threat to humans and other living beings. To ensure that the balance between development and environmental conservation is maintained, we intend to develop green corridors along upcoming and developed National Highways for sustainable environment and inclusive growth.

In this respect, Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy - 2015 unveiled by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Govt. of India has laid down directives for roadside plantation and maintenance activities. To ensure quality plantation and maintenance, a separate “Green Highways Fund” with the Total Project Cost (TPC) of all National Highways projects has been created and National Green Highways Mission-NHAI has been given the responsibility of implementing this project.

In its first quarter of commencement, NGHM has been able to work out the existing issues, document recommendations of stakeholders and has come up with a consolidated Vision Document for Green Highways Project comprising strategy and action plan for next ten years.

NGHM envisions participatory approach for development of green corridors along one lakh km long network of highways, which will help in sequestering approximately 12 lakh MT of carbon equivalent of GHG emissions, arrest noise pollution and create one lakh sustained employment for next ten years.

I appreciate NGHM team for developing this comprehensive Vision Document and hope that green highways project realizes its vision of “Green Highways for sustainable environment and inclusive growth”.

(Raghav Chandra)

MESSAGE

Highways are acknowledged as the growth engine of economic development. Interstate road infrastructure facilitates trade, promotes tourism and bridges the geographical divide amongst cities. The fact that National Highways account for only 2 % of the Indian road network but still carries 40 % of the automobile traffic signifies its importance in economy of the country.

Many a times this development comes at the cost of disturbance to ecological balance. Clearance of forest and tree felling activities are inevitable consequences of Highways Development which results in large scale environmental degradation in form of biodiversity loss and release of carbon stocked in trees. Although to counter the losses Highways projects are bundled with median and avenue plantations but they are seldom equivalent to the natural ecosystem. The situation becomes critical with incessant movement of vehicles contributing further in release of Green house gases and other suspended particulate matters. Pollutants released in air by vehicles travel to farther areas, posing an imminent health threat for humans as well as wildlife.

The concern for neutralizing adverse effects of pollutions is shared globally. Taking a big stride in this respect, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has recently promulgated Green Highways Policy-2015 with the objective of developing Green Corridors along National Highways. National Green Highways Mission - NHAI has been entrusted with the task of overall planning, implementation and monitoring of Green Highways project, which involves plantation, transplantation and allied activities along National Highways.

It is my pleasure to bring Vision document in public forum which will essentially define the approach, National Green Highways Mission intends to take for planning, implementation and monitoring of Green Highways Project. NGHM looks at the Indian roads as a tool for sustainable development and as an instrument for fulfilling India’s commitment in CoP 21 for carbon emissions reduction.

The Vision document, comprising Strategy, Mission and Action Plan for 2016-2026, documents core issues, future roadmap and success indicators necessary for effective implementation of Green Highways Project.

(Ajoy K Bhattacharya)

MISSION DIRECTORNATIONAL GREEN HIGHWAYS MISSION

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Vision Document : Strategy - Mission - Action Plan

National Green Highways Mission

List of Abbreviation

BOT - Built Operate Transfer

BRO – Border Roads Organization

CA – Compensatory Afforestation

CAMPA – Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority

CBOs – Community Based Organizations

CDM – Clean Development Mechanism

CERs – Certified Emission Reductions

CPCB – Central Pollution Control Board

CPT – Cattle Proof Trenches

CSA – Canopy Surface Area

DBFOT- Design Build Finance Operate Transfer

DPR – Detailed Project Report

FDC – Forest Development Corporation

FYM – Farm Yard Manure

GHP – Green Highways Project

GHGs – Green House Gases

GIM – Green India Mission

GIS – Geographic Information System

IHMCL – Indian Highways Management Company Limited

IRC – Indian Road Congress

JFMCs – Joint Forest Management Committees

LSGs – Local Self Governments

MGNREGS – Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

MoEF&CC – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change



MoRD – Ministry of Rural Development

MoRTH – Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

MoU – Memorandum of Understanding

MT – Metric Tonne

NH – National Highways

NGHM – National Green Highways Mission

NGOs – Non Governmental Organizations

NHAI – National Highways Authority of India

NHIDCL - National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.

NHM – National Horticulture Mission

NRSC – National Remote Sensing Centre

NTFP – Non-Timber Forest Product

PAs – Protected Areas

PIU – Project Implementation Unit

PMGSY - Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

PWD – Public Works Department

RET- Rare, Endangered and Threatened

RFP – Request for Proposal

RFQ – Request for Qualification

RO – Regional Office

ROW – Right of Way

SHGs – Self Help Groups

SoR – Schedule of Rates

SPM – Suspended Particulate Matter

TPC – Total Project Cost



VISION“to develop eco-friendly National Highways with participation of the

community, farmers, NGOs, private sector, institutions, government

agencies and the Forest Department for economic growth and

development in a sustainable manner.”

Green Highways for

Sustainable Environment & Inclusive Growth



Objectives

1. Develop a systematic framework for Integrated Green Corridor Development along National Highways.

2. Build resilient ecosystem in the form of “Green Corridors” along National Highways for

- Combating global warming and climate change effects

- Optimum GHG sequestration

- Ex situ conservation of native RET species of the region

3. Make Green Highways Mission self-sustainable.

4. Develop unique green corridors with aesthetic appeal.

5. Reduce the impacts of dust, air and noise pollution.

6. Provide shade on glaring hot roads during summers.

7. Reduce soil erosion at embankment slopes.

8. Reduce the effects of wind and incoming UV radiation.



StrategyHighways are acknowledged as the growth engine of economic development. Interstate road infrastructure facilitates trade, promotes tourism and bridges the geographical divide amongst cities. The fact that National Highways account for only 2 % of the Indian road network but still carries 40 % of the automobile traffic signifies its importance in economy. But, Highways shall not be looked upon merely as a means of transportation. They should be managed as an integral part and parcel of the physical environment and socio-economic milieu.

Clearance of forest and tree felling activities are inevitable consequences of Highways development. Although to counter these losses Highways projects are bundled with median and avenue plantations but often while preparing the land acquisition plans for the highways projects, the land needed for the avenue plantation and landscape improvement is not considered during the DPR Stage. As a result, after construction when the planting is actually to start, there is no option but to accommodate planting in whatever space available which are seldom equivalent to the natural ecosystem existing before the development.

The situation becomes critical with incessant movement of vehicles on these roads contributing further in release of green house gases and other suspended particulate matter. High level of green house gases and suspended dust particles in air poses an imminent health threat for the commuters and also endangers the biodiversity of the region.

Transportation sector emits 14 % of the global GHG emissions which is only second to power sector. Out of which road transport contributes 73 % of the GHG emissions, and remaining 27% is contributed by other transport mediums



such as aviation, shipping, rail etc. Under such circumstances it is important to take proactive measure for pollution containment on highways.

The concern for neutralizing adverse effects of pollutions is shared globally; In this respect, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has unveiled Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy - 2015 with the vision “to develop eco-friendly National Highways with participation of the community, farmers, NGOs, private sector, institutions, government agencies and the Forest Department for economic growth and development in a sustainable manner.”

The policy envisions participatory approach for development of green corridors along National Highways, which will help in sequestering GHG emissions and create millions of man-days of employment. To ensure quality plantation and maintenance, a corpus “Green Highways Fund” with the Total Project Cost (TPC) of all new National Highways projects has been created.

Various research, case studies and pilot project conducted globally have confirmed that green corridors are the effective means of pollution control. Green corridor works as vegetation buffer around the pollution source and helps in absorption of GHG gases and collection of dust particles. It also reduces noise pollution and provides much needed shade on glaring hot roads during summer. Plantation arrests soil erosion at the embankment slopes, prevents glare from the headlight of incoming vehicles and moderates the effect of wind and incoming radiation.

Global best practices of roadside plantations can be used as a yardstick for effective planning and implementation of Green Highways Projects in India. But, issues and technical glitches faced in earlier roadside plantation projects needs to be reviewed before developing the future roadmap of Green Highways Projects.



Issues

Lack of Integration for Roadside Plantations & Land Acquisition Process during Planning StageOften while preparing the land acquisition plans for the highways projects, the land needed for the avenue plantation and landscape improvement is not considered during the DPR Stage. As a result, after construction when the planting is actually to start there is no option but to accommodate planting in whatever space available. The width of the remaining ROW is many a times is not sufficient to accommodate even a single row of plants, whereas at some places, three to four rows can be planted. In order to ensure availability of sufficient width throughout for the avenue planting, it is necessary that the requirement of land for tree plantation shall be included in the Land Acquisition plans prepared by the DPR consultants.

Lack of Institutional Arrangement and Financing PatternIn many projects, Plantation and allied activities have not been mentioned in the scope of work of the Concession Agreement and even if plantation activities are included in the scope of work of the Concession Agreement, it is experienced that the scenario of road side plantations is not satisfactory in most of the projects (BOT, DBFOT and public funded).

Learning from earlier roadside plantation experience, Green Corridor development process shall be considered an integral part of National Highways projects. Institutional arrangements in the form of effective guidelines for Green Corridor project planning, implementation and monitoring shall be developed.

Existing Land ResourcesThere are various land banks available with highways authorities near flyovers and road alignments which are kept for future road widening and maintenance operations. In absence of any infrastructure development on these land banks, these are subject to encroachment in the form of illegal advertisement hoardings and temporary habitation. Plantation activities on such lands can bring monitoring regime for these lands and will also compensate for plantations foregone due to lack of width in ROW. In many cases, respective Municipal corporations have requested allotment of land available with highways authorities for plantation & beautification. Clear directives for such cases are required from headquarters.



Convergence IssuesRoadside plantations have vital significance in enhancing green cover, mitigating climate change effects and generating livelihoods for rural communities. Currently there is lack of effective convergence with federal schemes which are handling these issues in isolation. Converging MGNREGS (for rural livelihoods), Green India Mission (for enhancing green cover), CAMPA (for compensatory afforestation) and various other federal schemes can generate additional funding resource for Green Highways Program. A letter to Secretary, MoEF&CC from Chairman-NHAI has been sent regarding utilization of CAMPA funds for roadside plantations (Annexure – I)

Selection of Tree / Shrub Species for Roadside PlantationsExisting tree / shrub species planted along highways have not been studied for their pollution tolerance capacity and their ability towards pollution absorption remains unknown. Given that green corridors have to face stressed climatic conditions with intake of high level of gaseous emission (SO2, CO, CO2 & NOX) and Suspended Particulate Matter, it is important to select the species which are tolerant and at the same time capable of effective mitigation of pollution. Selection of appropriate tree / shrub species shall be based on their ecological importance, economic value and aesthetic appeal.



Future Roadmap for Green Highways Projects

Mission 1: Take up Integrated Green Corridor Development and Management for upcoming highways projects.Plantation, transplantation, beautification, landscaping and maintenance activities will be an integrated component for all new highways projects. Land requirement for ensuring homogenous width in ROW for plantations and allied activities shall be assessed in planning stage itself. Vacant land parcels available near road alignments and flyovers shall also be considered for high density plantation of commercial agro-forestry crops. Provisions of funding for planning, implementation and monitoring for the green corridor development and management shall be done from Total Project Cost (TPC) of all new National Highways projects.

1.1 PlanningAs per the GHP-2015, project reports for development of integrated Green Corridor will be part of the DPR for project.

Project reports shall be prepared by subject experts in collaboration with NGHM, respective Regional Offices (RO) of NHAI/MoRTH and other concerned agencies. Site specific project reports for Green Corridor development shall be in compliance to the IRC SP-21:2009 guidelines and any further directives issued by NGHM.

1.1.1 PlantationIt has been observed that plantations of exotic tree / shrub species often result in low survival rate, inferior productivity and higher cost of maintenance. Hence, priority shall be given to native trees / shrubs and grasses of particular agro climatic zone. Plantation Species Matrix1 shall be used for the purpose of identifying suitable native tree / shrub species for roadside plantations.

1Plantation Species Matrix is an excel based tool developed by NGHM for identifying suitable tree / shrub species for roadside plantations.



1.1.2 TransplantationIt has been observed that in absence of any clear guidelines for transplantation of trees, transplantation activities have been kept to minimal. Often bigger or grown up trees are selected for transplantation and trees below 4 -5 years or lesser girth are felled. But due to lack of appropriate technology and equipments for transplantation, it often results in low survival rate of transplanted trees. Instead young trees can be manually transplanted. They can quickly adapt to new environment and have lesser chances of mortality. Hence, for all new highways projects, trees of age 2 years and above shall also be considered for transplantation. Trees to be transplanted shall be marked and transplantation protocol depending on the age and species shall be prescribed in the project report. Transplantation plans shall be formulated for all new projects, existing projects, wherever possible, and for all the road widening projects.

1.1.3 Landscaping & BeautificationThe sites of cultural, historical importance shall be marked and the landscaping activities shall be planned to highlight the aesthetics of the site. Additional land requirement for such purpose can also be explored as per the provisions of GHP -2015.

1.1.4 MaintenanceEvery project report shall have five years maintenance schedule along with year-wise expected outcomes such as minimum height and girth of trees planted. This will help in assessing the quality of plantation.

1.2 ImplementationImplementation of green corridor development projects shall be outsourced to professional plantation agencies/ local SHGs/ JFMCs/ Cooperatives/ NGOs and other such organization as per the approved Plantation SoR of MoRD adopted by NGHM.

Plantation allied activities such as landscaping and beautification which are not part of Plantation SoR of MoRD, can be taken up through tender process or by calling financial bids from the registered/ empanelled plantation agencies.

1.3 MonitoringIt is intended to keep real time monitoring of plantation and allied activities for which GIS enabled data imagery tool will be utilized. Plantations Agencies will also be required to submit the progress report on monthly basis to respective Project Implementation Units (PIUs).



Mission 2: Develop Green Corridor along developed National Highways networkIt is experienced that the scenario of roadside plantations is not satisfactory in most of the projects implemented through BOT, DBFOT and public funded projects. Assessment of plantation status on existing highways is required to work out remedial measures necessary for improving the quality and quantity of plantations. In some cases even though the plantation survival rate and quality are good but the aim shall be to develop robust green corridor for ensuring optimum GHG sequestration and enhancing the aesthetics.

2.1 For National Highway projects having Plantation in its Scope of Work of Concession AgreementAssessment of existing plantation status shall be done by respective Regional Offices (ROs). Report shall be prepared by respective Plantations Manager of the Regional Office, which needs to be approved by Regional Officer - NHAI / MoRTH. The report can prescribe additional developments which although not part of the scope of work but are deemed fit for accomplishing the vision of Green Highways Policy. Funding for such development works will be done by NGHM.

Concessionaires shall be advised to take up the improvement work through professional plantation agencies / local communities in a time bound manner. Notices shall be issued to Concessionaires who fail to comply, if concessionaire defaults then action will be taken as per the provisions of Concession Agreement.

2.2 For National Highway projects in which Plantation is not in Scope of Work of Concession AgreementIt has been observed that since the plantation component was not considered in the planning stage of Highways development, the width of the median and ROW, in many sections is not sufficient to accommodate even a single row of plant, whereas at some sections three to four rows can be planted. In order to ensure availability of sufficient width throughout for green corridor development, possibility of Land acquisition shall be explored. Land owners of the land adjacent to highways could also be motivated to take up plantation for which NGHM could fund the plantation & maintenance cost.



Mission 3: Make National Green Highways Mission self-sustained in next 10 years.NGHM intends to develop sustainable model for Green Corridor development along National Highways. Efforts will be made for creating backward and forward linkages for the Green Highways Projects, which will essentially involve financial resource planning through convergence of federal schemes; exploring institutional tie-ups for transfer of technology regarding efficient green corridor planning; Community interface for project implementation; buy back arrangement for sustainable harvest and linking GHG sequestration benefits with Voluntary Carbon Offset Markets.Expected revenue streams in next ten years of project have been depicted in the pie chart

*Values are in INR Crore

Investment Sustainable Harvest Earning Carbon Credit Earning2015-2020 3120.30 0 02020-2025 5681.59 2316.07 1036.002025-2030 2200.00 7851.00 2880.002015-2030 11001.89 10167.07 3916.00

Assumptions:1. It is expected to sequester 3 MT C/ac/yr, Carbon Credit rate in voluntary carbon offset markets has

been assumed to be $80 per MT during 2025-2030. (Ref: US- DoT, 2009)2. It is expected to earn Rs 50,000 per acre/yr from sustainable harvesting practices.3. It is expected to invest lump-sum Rs 12 lakh per km (4.5 acre) in roadside plantation and management

for next five years, as per the plantation SoR of MoRD.



Mission 4: Green Highways for Reinforcing India’s CoP 21 CommitmentVarious research, case studies and pilot projects conducted globally have confirmed that green corridors are the effective means of pollution control. Green corridors work as vegetation buffer around the pollution source and help in absorption of GHG gases and collection of dust particles.

Current CO2 emission level from road transport is 391 million tons which is expected to reach 966 million tons2 by 2030. To neutralize the impact of emission large scale Afforestation efforts will be required. Under the ambit of GHP 2015, it is targeted to bring approximately 4 lakh acres of land under vegetation cover in next ten years. Trees / Shrubs / Grasses all contribute in sequestering Green House Gases which are stored not only in the woody vegetation but also in soil. It is expected to sequester 3 MT C/ac/yr3 amounting to annual sequestration capacity of 12 lakh MT carbon/yr. Green corridors along NHs will generate additional carbon sink contributing towards COP-21 commitment.

2Figure - information is taken from CPCB, MoEF 2006 report on GHGs emission.3FHWA –US DoT assessment report May-2009 on carbon sequestration through grasslands & woody vegetation.



Mission 5: Create Sustained Employment for 1 lakh peoplePlantation and allied activities require large manual workforce, generating livelihoods opportunities for semi / unskilled workers. It is expected to provide 40004 man-days of employment per km in plantation and management activities. Plantation and management activities along 1 lakh km stretch will generate 40 crore man-days of employment ensuring sustained employment opportunity for 1 lakh semi / unskilled workers for minimum 250 days a year for next 10 years.

Apart from the direct employment opportunities, it is expected to generate similar scale of livelihoods opportunities for nursery owners, tree guard manufacturer, organic manure providers and irrigation equipment manufacturers.

It is intended to establish institutional tie-ups with agro-forestry industries for buy back of sustainable harvest generating additional revenue for further extension of social forestry activities.

Employment Chart

4 Data for man-days calculations is based on Plantation SoR of MoRD.



Mission 6: Create Platform for Research and Innovation in Green Pathways Sector including Roads, Waterways and Railways

Transportation sector emits 14 % of the global GHG emissions which is only second to power sector. Almost 89 % of these emissions are from surface transportation mediums including roads, waterways and rails. In due course of time, road transportation system is bound to reach its saturation level, therefore focus will shift on harnessing potential of other cost effective transportation medium such as railways and waterways.

Similarly, utilization of river transportation system for cargo movement and tourism will result in release of high volume of effluents in water bodies. It is important to assess the environmental impacts of these developments and strategies for pollution containment shall also be developed for combating future climate change effects.

Rail transport is energy efficient transportation medium but with increase in last mile connectivity of rails and development of dedicated freight corridors this advantage will be negated by sheer volume of traffic.

Mitigation and adaptation are two globally accepted strategies for combating climate change effects. Although strategies such as developing efficient transportation system through advancement in technology is beyond the scope of NGHM but strategies such as building resilient ecosystem (green corridors) around transportation systems can also benefit from technological innovations.

With this vision, NGHM intends to create platform for research and innovation in green pathways sectors including roads, waterways and railways. The idea is to find innovative solutions for building pollution absorption capacity of transportation systems by funding researches, feasibility studies and pilot projects that will be useful for policy makers and transportation agencies for effective planning for combating global warming and climate change effects.



Measures for Effective Implementation of Green Highways Projects1. Green Corridor Planning MethodologyThe road landscape shall be developed envisaging a holistic approach to the entire stretch. A concept shall be evolved so as to maintain visual characteristics and uniformity in terms of landscape along the stretch. In the absence of uniform land availability for plantations, different schemes may be worked out in tune with the local variations in the design. To achieve this, the entire stretch of the project corridor shall be divided into homogenous landscape sections based on similarity in terms of available width, soil conditions, climate (temperature and rainfall) and topography.

For any green corridor development, tree / shrub species shall be selected based on its ecological importance, economic value and suitability for roadside plantation. The focus shall be on planting native tree / shrub species with ecological importance contributing towards higher GHG sequestration, soil-water conservation, nitrogen fixation etc. During selection process, priority shall also be given to RET (Rare, Endangered and Threatened) tree / shrub species to promote conservation and enhance ecosystem values.

Tree / shrub species with economic benefits such as fuel, fodder, flower, fruit and timber value shall also be given due consideration.

1.1 Selection of Tree / Shrub species - Plantation Species Matrix

Not every tree / shrub species is capable of fulfilling the objectives as desired for green corridor. Considering this, NGHM has developed a Plantation Species Matrix, which is a mathematical decision making tool for selection of suitable tree / shrub species for roadside plantations.

For identification of suitable tree / shrub species, an Excel based model has been developed which compares different plant species on three fundamental Principles - Ecological, Economic & Aesthetics. The criteria and indicators for the model have been developed for Green Corridor Development based on the guidelines of Central Pollution Control Board, MoEF, and in compliance to the existing guidelines (IRC SP 21:2009) of Indian Road Congress for plantation and landscaping.

1.2 Plantation Techniques for Green Corridor Development

Vehicles are the mobile sources of gaseous as well as particulate pollution. Components of green belts on roadside hence should be both absorbers of gases as well as of dust particulates including lead particulates. The choice of plants should include shrub of 1 to 4 m height and tree of 3 to 20 m height. The intermixing



of trees and shrubs should be such that the foliage area density in vertical is almost uniform. A green belt of such a design and having width of 30 to 50 m will enable higher pollution attenuation capacity. Depending on the available ROW, plantation pattern shall be worked out as follows:

- The first row along the highways will be of small to medium size ornamental trees

- Subsequent rows depending on the availability of width will comprise of ornamental and/or shade bearing species of more height than those in the first rows. In rural sections, the last row shall always be shade bearing tall trees.

- Planting of shrubs in the median

- Bamboo as a preferred species for the highways passing through farmlands.

- Planting of herbaceous species as ground cover in the median, special landscapes and embankment slopes.

- Turfing of grass in the median, special landscapes and embankment slopes.

Special Landscapes / Embankment Slopes / the Median

The surface is to be prepared adequately for shrubs planting or grass sowing. All masses of loose debris shall be removed. Any convexities shall be removed and similarly any concavities are to be filled by good soil. The surface shall have sufficient layer of good quality soil (up to 45 cm) so as to have better growth and survival of grasses and shrubs.

Grass lines are used to provide a strong surface cover but need a well prepared surface. It must be allowed to establish properly on a slope which is not subject to undue stress from erosion and mass movement in its initial stages. Sowing of grasses / legumes is intended to create a strengthened surface that is resistant to erosion.

It is the responsibility of planting agency to ensure that the condition of the site is good enough for the successful establishment of grasses. The planting agency is required to supervise all field operations like preparation of surface, sowing of grasses and quality of grass seed used.

Avenue Plantation

Multiple rows of plantation are advised for better protection against soil erosion and water purification. Plantation shall be done in a staggered (zigzag) manner.

Technical Specifications

The technical specifications given here are just for understanding Green Corridor development approach. The site specific project report shall prescribe plantation pattern based on actual site condition.



Row I

Distance from embankment 3.3 ft / 55 ft away from the toe of embankment/ from central traffic line

Spacing between plants 10 ftCanopy Shape & Size Preferable Cylindrical/ Oblong with small CSASize of the pits (normal soil) 60 × 60 × 60 cmFor Alkaline soil (usar) By AugerWater logged areas Mounds with height varying depending on the water levelNo. of plants per Km on one side 333Height of the plant 1.5 m to 2 m

Penultimate Row (If space for III Row is available)

Distance from preceding row 15 ft

Spacing between plants 10 ft

Canopy Shape & Size Preferable Round/ Oblong with medium CSA

Size of the pits (normal soil) 60 × 60 × 60 cm

For Alkaline soil (usar) By Auger

Water logged areas Mounds with height varying depending on the water level

No. of plants per Km on one side 333

Height of the plant More than 2 m

Shade Plants Last Row (II OR III Row)

Distance from preceding row 15 ft

Spacing between plants 20 ftCanopy Shape & Size Preferable spreading with medium CSASize of the pits (normal soil) 60 × 60 × 60 cmFor Alkaline soil (usar) By Auger

Water logged areas Mounds with height varying depending on the water level

No. of plants per Km on one side 166

Height of the plant More than 3 m



(Case – I)

(Case – II)



Specifications for Median Plantations

The shrubs to be planted in the median shall be of low or medium height for prevention of the headlight glare. One to two rows of flowering shrubs may be provided according to the varying width of the median in different sections. In sections where the median width is less than 1.5 m, only grasses turf is advisable. Some herbaceous species may also be planted as ground cover, not only on the medians but on special landscapes and embankment slopes also. In median width of 3 meters one row of shrub whereas in 5 m median width, plantation of two rows of flowering shrubs at a spacing of 1.5 m from the inner edge is recommended. The plants shall be at spacing of 3 X 3 m and size of the pits for planting shall be of 0.6 m diameter and deep. New species / combinations can be tried on experimental / pilot basis.

The surface for the median plantation shall be well prepared. The masses of loose debris on the median and any convexities shall be removed and similarly any concavities are to be filled with good soil. The surface shall have sufficient layer of good quality soil so as to have a better growth and survival of grasses and shrubs.

Transplantation

Occasions may arise when grown up or young trees have to be cut for making room for construction of a road, a building or any other structure. It will be desirable to save these plants/trees by transplanting it at a suitable site. It has been observed that in absence of any clear guidelines for transplantation of trees, transplantation activities have been kept to minimal. Often bigger or grown up trees are selected for transplantation and trees below 4 - 5 years or lesser girth are felled. But due to lack of appropriate technology and equipments for transplantation of grown up trees, the effort results in low survival rate, whereas young trees can be manually transplanted and can quickly adapt to new environment. Hence, for all new highways projects trees of age 2 years and above shall be considered for transplantation. Transplantation location shall be finalized during the planning stage itself and the same shall be prescribed in the project report. If the location of transplantation of young native trees cannot be finalized then the young tree shall be kept in nursery with due care and once the space is available they can be transplanted on ROW. Site specific transplantation plan will be prepared for each project, including the road widening activities.

Transplanting Technique for trees above 5 years of age

In winter when the tree is dormant or less active, it shall be pruned heavily leaving a bare framework of the large branches. 40 to 50 m wide trench with 1 to 2 m depth shall be dug around the stem as much distance away from it, depending upon the stature of the specimen, cutting all the roots, big and small, in the process. The job of tree transplantation is quite complex and requires high quality expertise, techniques besides specialized equipment and infrastructure.

The location of transplantation is to be identified and preliminary treatment is to be done at least 3 months in advance before the area is ready for transplantation. Transplantation of trees depends on



the soil and climate conditions of that area. Specialized techniques are required in transplantation of trees with specialized equipment and machinery. Transplantation of trees shall be done to the maximum extent possible on the National Highways to save the trees along ROW. The transplantation site shall ideally be within 5 km of the existing tree location.

Plantations on Vacant Land Parcels

There are various agro-forestry industries which are dependent on agriculture or forest produce for their raw materials. Pulp & paper industries, Fiber board manufacturing units and various small scale cottage industries (furniture, incense sticks, handicrafts, floriculture, food processing) are dependent on forest /farmers for raw material supply.

Although, it is commercially viable option for them to take up captive plantation on their own but provisions of Land Ceiling Act and unavailability of continuous land stretch for captive plantation makes it difficult for Agro-forestry industries to practice this option.

Captive plantations of commercial crops can be initiated on the vacant land parcels available with NHAI near flyovers and road alignments. User rights of these lands can be given to agro-forestry industries which can take up plantation, management and sustainable harvesting during the concession period. NGHM based on the project feasibility can transfer user rights based on project development fees, annual premium and profit sharing from the concessionaire.

Landscaping & Beautification Activities

The sites of cultural and historical importance shall be marked and the landscaping activities shall be planned to highlight the aesthetics of the site. Landscaping plan for such sites shall be incorporated in the site specific plantation project proposal for median and avenue plantations. Landscaping architects shall be consulted for beautification of such areas. Additional land requirement for such purpose can also be explored as per the directives of GHP -2015.

Protection Measures

The fencing of single row plantation will be done by using tree (iron / brick / cement / bamboo) guards. The fencing of multiple row plantations shall be done preferably by barbed wire. A five strand barbed wire fencing, with cross strands, stretched on angle iron poles fixed at a distance of 4 meter from one another is recommended. Live fencing / bamboo fencing / thorn fencing / CPT may also be used wherever protection can be ensured through these. The specification for barbed wire fencing shall be as per IRC SP-21:2009.

Road Safety

The first row of plantation shall be sufficiently away from the roadway so that they are not a hazard to road traffic or restricting the visibility. Most vulnerable location in this regard is the inside curve, median,



junction corner and cut slopes. Trees shall be planted at a minimum distance of 14 m from the central line of extreme traffic lane to provide recovery area for the vehicle that runs off the road. Growth of vegetation close on the road curve may lead to serious reduction of clear sight distance and may cause accidents. Tall and overgrown plants on and near the curve are not permissible. In plain terrain, on the innermost lane of the curve, a stopping site distance of 170 m corresponding to the designed speed of 100 km per hour shall be ensured on all curved sections.

Maintenance of Plantations

The scope of five years maintenance work and its schedule shall be prescribed in Project report.

Plantations in ROW notified as Forest (Protected / Reserved / PAs)

There are sections of highways where the plantations in ROW have been notified as Forest (Protected/Reserved / PAs). For these areas, permission for tree cutting is granted by Forest Department under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. While granting the permission, the forest department stipulates the conditions not only for compensatory afforestation (CA) but also for avenue plantation. In these cases, the amount for avenue plantation is deposited with the Forest Department and normally the work of avenue plantation is taken up by Forest Department apart from CA.

Such plantations can also be given to Forest Development Corporations of respective States which can sign a MoU with NGHM for plantation, maintenance and sharing of the sustainable harvest earnings with NGHM.

1.3 Quality Assurance Mechanism

Mapping Plantations through GIS based Application

National Remote Sensing Centre will assist NGHM in providing Geo-Spatial technologies and high resolution satellite imagery data for real time monitoring of plantations and allied activities. This tool will assist ROs and NGHM in ensuring day to day monitoring of plantation projects.

Monitoring by respective PIU / RO

It will be the responsibility of Plantation Managers of respective PIU / RO to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the plantation projects. Field verification shall be carried out by Plantation Managers of respective RO / PIU with respect to survival, growth and size of plantation and maintenance of the same. Progress report of every plantation project shall be prepared after field verification; the progress report shall be submitted on 3rd of every month to NGHM. Progress report shall also be sent to implementing agency for taking remedial measures, if required. Details of Plantation progress shall be uploaded on the website as well.

The survival shall be 90 % after raising the plantation for one year at any stage during contractual period with normal shape and size. Expected growth, shape and size shall be as per the project report.



Default

If any agency fails to arrange the sufficient quantities of material / manure / pesticide / manpower / equipment required to maintain the work in good condition within 7 days of its notification, NGHM will reserve the right to get it arranged at own risk and cost, and will charge extra 20 % on the actual expenditure incurred. In exceptional cases, RO- MoRTH/NHAI may consider to extend the time limit mentioned above. The decision of RO-MoRTH/NHAI shall be final and binding on the contractor in respect of extension of time for rectification of defects. However, all complaints will be attended promptly and within the time limit by RO-MoRTH / NHAI.

In case of default on the part of the concessionaire with respect to planting or maintenance of plantation (as provided under Scope of Work of the concession agreement) and based on the report and recommendation of the Plantation Manager, action may be taken as per the conditions of the concession agreement or MoU with the concerned agency.

Penalty

In case of default on the part of the contractor / concessionaire with respect to planting or maintenance of plantations, action will be taken as per the conditions of the concession agreement / contract agreement or MoU with the concerned agency. The legal and financial liabilities shall be borne by the plantation agency for non-compliance to Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and subsequent amendments and Forest Conservation rules and local laws.

1.4 Empanelment / Registration of Plantation Agencies / Cooperatives / NGOs / SHGs / JFMCs / Watershed committees, etc.

Agencies interested to take up plantation and allied activities shall be first registered with NGHM. Proposal of registration can be submitted in prescribed formats to respective Regional Offices or NGHM Headquarters. After due verification agencies will be deemed empanelled and will be eligible for undertaking plantation and allied activities on behalf of NGHM. The list of empanelled agencies will be uploaded on the website of MoRTH, NHAI and IHMCL.

Empanelment of Plantation Agencies (Private Limited Companies, Proprietorship Firms and STARTUPs etc.)

After receiving duly filled application from Plantation Agencies, ROs shall submit verification report in prescribed format to NGHM with their recommendations for approving or rejecting applications.



Evaluating Technical Credentials of Plantation Agencies

Plantation agencies must have following resources to be considered for empanelment:

S No Resources Eligibility Criteria

1 Team Leader (1) 1. Minimum 3 years of Experience in Plantation / Transplantation / Landscaping Activities

2. Educational Qualifications: Post Graduation / Graduation in Forestry / Agriculture / Horticulture or other relevant stream.

2 Team Supervisor (1)

1. Minimum 2 years of Experience in Plantation / Transplantation / Landscaping Activities

2. Educational Qualifications: Post Graduation / Graduation in Forestry / Agriculture/ Horticulture or other relevant stream.

3 Team Members 1. Minimum 1 year of Experience in Plantation / Transplantation / Landscaping Activities.

Empanelment of Cooperatives and NGOs

After receiving duly filled application from Cooperatives & NGOs, ROs shall submit verification report in prescribed format to NGHM with their recommendations for approving or rejecting applications.

Evaluating Technical Credentials of Cooperatives & NGOs

Agencies must have following resources to be considered for empanelment

S No Resources Eligibility Criteria1 Cooperative

/ NGO Head /Representative

1. Minimum 3 years of Experience in Plantation / Transplantation / Landscaping Activities

2. Technical Qualifications: Graduation in Forestry / Agriculture / Horticulture or other relevant stream.

OR Certificate from recognized govt. agency of any professional course /

training in plantation/agriculture or other relevant stream.2 Cooperative / NGO

Members1. Minimum 2 years of Experience in Plantation / Transplantation /

Landscaping Activities 2. Technical Qualifications: Graduation in Forestry / Agriculture /

Horticulture or other relevant stream.OR

Certificate from recognized govt. agency of any professional course /training in plantation / agriculture or other relevant stream.



Empanelment of Community Based Organizations / LSGs such as FPOs / SHGs / JFMCs / Watershed Committees / Gram Panchayats etc.

Community Based Organizations / LSGs will be considered for empanelment based on the accreditation received from Collector / Forest Department / Horticulture Dept or RO-NHAI.

Initially CBOs / LSGs will be awarded work for maximum 2 km as per plantation SOR of MoRD. Work Award eligibility will be upgraded on annual basis for CBOs / LSGs on successful completion of project awarded. Eligibility can also be upgraded earlier in case CBOs / LSGs are able to complete their previous project before scheduled annual up gradation.

Evaluating Technical Expertise of Applicants

1. This technical team composition will be for plantation work up to 10 km. Number of technical resource persons will be increased as per the scope and requirements of the project. Same will be mentioned in MoU.

2. One resource person can be part of only one agency. If duplicity of same resource person is found in more than one agencies, then credentials of that particular resource person will not be considered by NGHM.

Relevant Work Experience

Plantation agencies should have completed plantation projects of minimum Rs 5 lakh project cost. Plantation agencies will be eligible for getting work order equivalent to their work experience in plantation projects. Work order eligibility will be enhanced in proportion to amount of work completed. Same will be updated on the empanelled list on the website of MoRTH, NHAI and IHMCL

START UPs will be exempted from work experience qualifications, but they will be required to fulfill technical credential criteria. Initially START UPs will be awarded work for 2 km and based on their performance further works will be awarded.

Project Award Eligibility Evaluation: If any XYZ agency has completed plantation projects worth Rs 5 lakh at the time of registration and after empanelment XYZ agency completes another plantation project of Rs 2 lakh, then the eligibility of XYZ agency will be Rs 7 lakh (5 +2).



1.5 Operational Models for Implementing Plantation and Landscaping Projects

Plantation through Empanelled Agencies

Empanelled agencies can be awarded work order by respective ROs. Empanelled agencies will be paid on completing project milestones as per the approved Plantation SoR of MoRD for roadside plantation. If some plantations and allied activities which are prescribed in the project report are not mentioned in Plantation SOR of MoRD, then SOR for such activities will be prepared by NGHM.

Empanelled agencies of respective RO will be selected on priority for the award of work. In case there are no empanelled agencies of particular region, then work can be awarded to other empanelled agencies.

Payment cycle will be distributed over the period of five years (1st year- 40 %, 2nd - 15 %, 3rd - 15 %, 4th - 15 %, 5th year -15 %). MoRD plantation & maintenance schedule will be referred. Payments will be released in phased manner to empanelled agencies which will be based on Plantation Survival Rate and work completion as per Plantation & Maintenance Schedule.

Swiss Challenge Proposal

Site specific Innovative proposals regarding plantation, transplantation, landscaping and beautification can be accepted by NGHM from agro-forestry industries / START UPs. The proposal shall be in coherence with the spirit of Green Highways Policy - 2015 and shall be commercially viable.

Such proposal will be considered under Swiss Challenge on case to case basis. If the proposal is in-principal approved by NGHM, then it should be included in the project report of that particular section of National Highways.

For Large project based on RFQ-RFP

NGHM may develop project based RFQ-RFP for selection of eligible agency for projects involving large scale plantation, transplantation and landscaping activities.

Community Based Plantations

Policy for green highways aims at generating livelihood opportunities for local communities. This can be achieved by taking up community based plantations on the stretches of Highways lying in the vicinity of rural areas. Local SHGs / Community Based Organizations can be entrusted with the task of plantation, management and harvesting. Buy back agreements for the sustainable harvest can be signed with agro-forestry industries. NGHM can earn revenues from the profit share derived out of sustainable harvest.

Community based plantations can also become model for many federal schemes such as MGNREGS & National Rural Livelihood Mission. The model will be a live training institute for educating villagers about taking up community based plantations as a livelihood option.



PPP Based Plantations, Maintenance and Sustainable Harvesting

There are various agro-forestry industries which are dependent on Agriculture or forest produce for their raw material. Pulp & paper industries, fiber board manufacturing units and various small scale cottage industries (furniture, incense sticks, handicraft) are dependent on forest / farmers for raw material.

Although it is commercially viable option for them to take up captive plantation on their own but provisions of Land Ceiling Act and unavailability of continuous land stretch for captive plantation makes it difficult for agro-forestry industries to practice this option.

PPP based captive plantations along the stretches of highways can be a viable option for Agro-forestry industries who can take up plantation, management and sustainable harvesting during the concession period. NGHM based on the project feasibility can ask for project development fees, annual premium and profit sharing from the concessionaire.

1.6 Backward & Forward Linkages

Institutional Arrangements for Procurement of Seedlings / Saplings

It is expected to plant approximately 10 crore quality seedlings / saplings under Green Highways Mission in next ten years. NGHM will require average 1 crore quality seedlings / saplings annually. Large portion of this demand can be fulfilled through Forest / Horticulture department nurseries, it is also expected that empanelled agencies will have their institutional tie-ups with their preferred nursery vendors. But, the plantations awarded to CBOs / LSGs will require procurement of seedlings / saplings.

Priority shall be given to rural nurseries which have been registered under National Horticulture Mission and are authorized for government procurement. CBOs / LSGs interested in opening small scale nurseries shall also be registered at RO level. Plantation Managers – PIU shall explore such institutional arrangements and motivate rural enterprise creation in this sector.

Rates for procurement in such cases will be as per the Plantation SoR of MoRD.

Institutional Arrangements for Buy back of Sustainable Harvest from Plantations

It is proposed to establish institutional tie-ups with agro-forestry industries (pulp, paper, bio-ethanol, floriculture etc.) for the buyback of sustainable harvest. This collaborative model is expected to generate desired funds, manpower and technological resources for the Green Highways Project. NGHM will be responsible for establishing such associations but ROs shall also strive to establish buy back arrangement with local agro-forestry industries.



Usufruct Rights for Rural Communities

The usufructs from the roadside plantations will be shared with the rural communities as per the following arrangements:

- From plantation raised by Forest Department, the share will be determined and approved by the competent authority in the Forest Department and will be specified in the plantation scheme.

- In case plantations are raised by CBOs / LSGs then they will have full right on intermediary produce such as NTFP, fuel-wood and fodder for the period of contract. The usufruct right may be extended in case CBOs/LSGs are willing to protect the plantation from encroachment and illicit felling.



Parameters for Evaluating Success of NGHM

1. Improvement in micro-climatic conditions along National Highways Assessment of micro climate indicators such as air quality, soil quality, temperature, biodiversity

richness, etc. can provide valuable information on the effectiveness of green corridors in improving micro climate. It is expected to achieve following positive impacts during next ten years:

- Improvement in air quality

- Improvement in soil fertility

- Biodiversity richness

- Noise reduction

- Reduction in temperature during summer

2. Carbon Sequestration Capability Green corridor development along National Highways should help in building a resilient ecosystem

to combat climate change and global warming effects. Carbon sequestration capability of highways will certify the effectiveness of green corridors.

3. Sustainable Employment NGHM should be able to generate 1 lakh direct employment opportunities in plantation and

management activities. It should also generate equal amount of self-employment opportunities in pre-plantation and post-harvest management. Nursery, tree guard manufacturing, primary processing are some of the sectors in which self-employment will be quantified.

4. Economic Viability of NGHM NGHM should be able to generate sufficient revenues to ensure its self-sustainability in next ten

years. Revenues from sustainable harvesting and carbon credit sale should exceed the amount invested in green corridor development and management.



Action Plan(2016-2017)

Inclusive of (Feb – March, 2016)Action Point Actions Proposed Time Limit

Assessment of existing status of median & avenue plantations

along NH & site specific action report

Highways

1. Review of concession agreements specifically in the context of Plantation activities.

2. Field verification of existing plantation status along NH as per the scope of work in respective concession agreement

3. Development of Site Specific action report for improvement in quality of plantation

April – July2016

Review of global best practices for roadside

plantation

1. Reviewing global best practices of roadside plantation.2. Study tours to selected countries for Transfer of Technology

regarding Green Corridor development

April- July2016

Workshops and Awareness programs

1. Organize workshop and awareness programs for building consensus amongst MoRTH / NHAI officials, Concessionaires and other stakeholders

2. Green Highways Summit - 20163. Discuss and evolve strategy for implementation of Green

Highways Project.4. Best Roadside Plantation Awards

April – 2016July – 2016September - 2016Annually

Development of Roadside Vegetation Management Charter & Plantation Species

Matrix

1. Guidelines or ensuring quality of roadside plantation & maintenance works.

2. Tool for facilitating NHAI/MoRTH officials in planning, implementation and monitoring of plantation projects.

3. Concessionaires & empanelled plantation agencies will be required to adhere with the guidelines for plantation and maintenance activities.

May-July 2016

Training modules for capacity building of local communities

in plantation management

1. Training needs assessment for capacity building of NHAI/MoRTH officials, plantation agencies and other stakeholders.

2. Development of training modules for skill building3. Training Sessions as per modules4. Refresher trainings annually

June- Aug2016Annually

Development of Master Plan for Green

Highways Project

1. Master Plan will comprise site specific action plan for plantation and allied activities for respective RO & PIU.

2. Proposals for new highways projects will be added into Master Plan whenever new highways projects are conceptualized

May-Aug2016Annual review



Action Point Actions Proposed Time LimitDeveloping Innovative Operation Models for

GHP

1. Community based plantation and maintenance2. Through Central and State Government Agencies3. PPP based plantation, management and harvesting4. Plantation by empanelled agencies based on MoU5. Innovative plantation projects under Swiss Challenge

proposal

July – 2016

Empanelment of Plantation Agencies

1. Empanelment / Registration of plantation agencies / CBOs / SHGs / NGOs etc

2. Annually update the list of empanelled plantation agencies

June, 2016 to March, 2017Annual updation

Implementing Plantation Projects

1. Selection of total 6000 km in different sections of highways for plantation projects

2. Implementing plantation and landscaping projects along 6000 km of existing highways

April, 2016 – March, 2017

Promoting People’s Participation

1. Plantation through Institutional tie-ups: Plantations with support of organizations (Nursery owners,

NGOs, Corporate etc.) which are willing to contribute on voluntary basis

2. Tree adoption scheme (Citizen / Farmers): Citizens / Farmers can take up boundary plantation and

management on their own property adjacent to National Highways. Plantation and maintenance cost will be funded by NGHM.

3. Contribution for Green Fund : Monetary contributions can be sought from Corporate /

Institutions and general Public, for “green fund”.

April- Oct2016

Convergence of Federal Schemes

1. Proposals for integrating NGH plantation with other federal schemes (MGNREGS, GIM, PMGSY)

2. Liaison with MoRTH/MoEF/MoRD and other concerned ministries for exploring Liaison with concerned ministries for approval

July- Oct 2016

Monitoring & Review 1. Mapping plantations through GIS based Application2. Field Verification by respective PIU / RO3. Monthly GIS based review and fortnightly field verification

Annually

Assessment of GHG Sequestration

1. Assessment of GHG sequestration of existing grassland and woody vegetation along NH

April- June2016

Institutional Arrangements

1. Institutional tie-ups with agro-forestry industries such as pulp, paper, bio-ethanol, and floriculture etc. for the buyback of sustainable harvest

2. Model for Usufruct Rights for Rural Communities

Aug – Oct2016



Action Plan(2017-2026)

Actions Proposed 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 202324 2024-25 2025-26Workshop and awareness programs /Green Highways Summit-2016 /Best Roadside Plantation Awards

April April April April April April April April April

Training Sessions as per modules

April- Jun

April- Jun

April- Jun

April- Jun

April- Jun

April- Jun

April- Jun

April- Jun

April- Jun

Refresher trainings annuallyUpdating Master Plan

Dec-Jan Dec-Jan Dec-Jan Dec-Jan Dec-Jan Dec-Jan Dec-Jan Dec-Jan Dec-Jan

Updating list of empanelled plantation agencies.

Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually

Implementing plantation and landscaping projects

6600 7200 8000 8800 9680 10648 11712 12884 4000

Plantation through Institutional tie-ups / Tree adoption scheme / Contribution for Green Fund

Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually Annually

Mapping plantations through GIS based Application

Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly

Field Verification by respective PIU/RO

30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days

Assessment of GHG sequestration

April-June

April-June

April-June

April-June

April-June

April-June

April-June

April-June

April-June



NGHM specific Budget HeadsS No Budget Heads Remarks

I Receipts & Income:A General Fund1 NHAI Funds received from NHAI for administrative expenses.

2 Consultancy Consultancy works received to NGHM from other govt. agencies and private organisation

Total General Fund

B Green Fund1 CAMPA Compensatory Afforestation Fund of MoEF

2 MGNREGS MoRD funds labour cost for roadside plantation which is 50 % of the total plantation budget as per their plantation SOR

3 NHAI Corpus fund allocation as per Green Highways Policy-2015

4 Advertisements & PPP projects License fee for allowing Advertisements & hoarding on tree guards PPP plantation projects will generate revenue in form project development fees/annual premium

5 Sustainable Harvest Revenues from Sustainable harvesting practices from the fifth year of plantation

6 Carbon Offset Markets Sale of Carbon Credit in Voluntary Carbon Offset Market

II ExpendituresA General Fund

1 Capital (Office furnishing, Machinery, Vehicles)

Transplantation machinery, Vehicles for field operations, Office furnishing, harvesting tools and equipment

2 Wages & Salaries Salaries of HO and Field staff of NGHM

3 Office Expenditure All recurring expenses such as stationery, printer cartridge, electricity, telephone, internet bills etc.

4 Computer & Electronic device procurement

Procurement of laptop/desktop, printers, camera, GPS and other electronic devices for HO and field staff

5 HO Travel Allowance & Vehicles POL Vehicle rentals and other travel and accommodation expense of HO staff during field visit.

6 Training & Extension works Training, Workshops and awareness programs

7 Centre for Green Pathways consultancy & ToT

Platform for research and innovation for exploring means and methods for Green Pathway for Transportation systems such as Roads, Rails, Waterways etc.

8 Monitoring Cost Cost of Field verification of Green Highways projects9 Misc Expenses

Total General Fund

B Green Fund Green Highways Project implementation expenses including cost of plant, irrigation, maintenance, labour etc.

Grand Total (General Fund + Green Fund)



Summarized Version of Revenue & Expenses (2016- 2026)Consolidated Budget (2016-2026)- NGHM

S.No. Details 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26I Opening Balance - - 100.00 300.00 600.00 1,000.00 1,500.00 2,100.00 235.36 4,789.60 II Receipts & Income: A General Fund 1 NHAI (admin budget) 2,174.21 2,631.11 2,876.87 3,292.31 3,779.28 10,400.25 11,150.51 - - - 2 Consultancy 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 500.00 600.00 700.00 800.00 900.00

Total General Fund (In Rs lakh) 2,174.21 2,731.11 3,076.87 3,592.31 4,179.28 10,900.25 11,750.51 700.00 800.00 900.00

B Green Fund 1 CAMPA 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 2 MNREGA 18,120.00 27,060.00 30,120.00 36,726.00 44,289.00 39,586.93 53,158.45 58,948.66 65,317.89 77,067.74

3 NHAI (project fund) 15,120.00 24,060.00 27,120.00 33,726.00 41,289.00 2,350.93 1,072.45 - - -

4 Advertisements & PPP projects 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 500.00 600.00 700.00 800.00 900.00 1,000.00

5 Sustainable Harvest - - - - - 13,500.00 28,350.00 44,685.00 62,653.50 82,418.85

6 Carbon Offset Markets - - - - - 20,736.00 20,736.00 20,736.00 20,736.00 20,736.00

Total Green Fund 36,340.00 54,320.00 60,540.00 73,852.00 89,078.00 79,773.86 107,016.89 128,169.66 152,607.39 184,222.59

Total (General Fund + Green Fund) (In Rs lakh)

38,514.21 57,051.11 63,616.87 77,444.31 93,257.28 90,674.12 118,767.40 128,869.66 153,407.39 185,122.59

III Expenditures A General Fund

1

Capital (Office Rental, furnishing, Machinery, Vehicles Procurement)

362.00 379.20 417.12 458.83 504.72 555.19 610.71 671.78 738.95 812.85

2 Wages & Salaries 123.60 170.28 214.50 251.79 290.17 329.75 370.64 426.18 468.80 515.68

3Office Expenditure (Stationery & other recurring expenses)

3.56 3.92 4.31 4.74 5.21 5.73 6.31 6.94 7.63 8.39

4Computer & Electronic device procurement

9.70 3.96 3.96 2.97 2.97 1.98 3.96 4.46 - -

5 HO Travel Allowance & Vehicles POL 20.00 22.00 24.20 26.62 29.28 32.21 35.43 38.97 42.87 47.16

6 Training & Extension works 768.00 844.80 929.28 1,022.21 1,124.43 1,236.87 1,360.56 1,496.61 1,646.28 1,810.90

7Centre for Green Pathways consultancy & ToT

40.00 48.00 67.20 94.08 131.71 6,220.80 6,220.80 6,220.80 6,220.80 6,220.80

8 Monitoring Cost 13.80 15.18 16.70 18.37 20.20 22.23 24.45 26.89 29.58 32.54

9 IHMCL Facilitation Charges 727 1086 1211 1477 1782 1595 2140 2563 3052 3684

10 Misc Expenses 206.75 257.37 288.81 335.66 389.03 1,000.02 1,077.32 1,145.60 1,220.71 1,313.28

Total General Fund 2,274.21 2,831.11 3,176.87 3,692.31 4,279.28 11,000.25 11,850.51 12,601.63 13,427.77 14,446.06

Green Highways Projects 36,240.00 54,120.00 60,240.00 73,452.00 88,578.00 79,173.86 106,316.89 117,897.32 130,635.79 154,135.47

Grand Total Expenditure (General Fund + Green Fund)

38,514.21 56,951.11 63,416.87 77,144.31 92,857.28 90,174.12 118,167.40 130,498.95 144,063.56 168,581.53

IV Closing Balance - 100.00 300.00 600.00 1,000.00 1,500.00 2,100.00 235.36 4,789.60 10,665.33

Note: All numerical values are in Rs. Lakh



Breakeven analysis

It is expected that National Green Highways Mission will be able to break even in the year 2023.



Budget (2016-2021)

S.No. Details 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

I Opening Balance - - 100.00 300.00 600.00

II Receipts & Income: A General Fund 1 NHAI (admin budget) 2,174.21 2,631.11 2,876.87 3,292.31 3,779.28 2 Consultancy 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 Total General Fund ( In Rs lakh) 2,174.21 2,731.11 3,076.87 3,592.31 4,179.28 B Green Fund 1 CAMPA 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 2 MNREGA 18,120.00 27,060.00 30,120.00 36,726.00 44,289.00 3 NHAI (project fund) 15,120.00 24,060.00 27,120.00 33,726.00 41,289.00 4 Advertisements & PPP projects 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 500.00

5 Sustainable Harvest - - - - -

6 Carbon Offset Markets - - - - -

Total Green Fund 36,340.00 54,320.00 60,540.00 73,852.00 89,078.00 Total (General Fund + Green Fund) (In Rs lakh) 38,514.21 57,051.11 63,616.87 77,444.31 93,257.28 III Expenditures A General Fund

1 Capital (Office Rental, furnishing, Machinery, Vehicles Procurement) 362.00 379.20 417.12 458.83 504.72

2 Wages & Salaries 123.60 170.28 214.50 251.79 290.17

3 Office Expenditure (Stationery & other recurring expenses) 3.56 3.92 4.31 4.74 5.21

4 Computer & Electronic device procurement 9.70 3.96 3.96 2.97 2.97

5 HO Travel Allowance & Vehicles POL 20.00 22.00 24.20 26.62 29.28

6 Training & Extension works 768.00 844.80 929.28 1,022.21 1,124.43

7 Centre for Green Pathways consultancy & ToT 40.00 48.00 67.20 94.08 131.71

8 Monitoring Cost 13.80 15.18 16.70 18.37 20.20 9 IHMCL Facilitation Charges 727 1086 1211 1477 1782

10 Misc Expenses 206.75 257.37 288.81 335.66 389.03 Total General Fund 2,274.21 2,831.11 3,176.87 3,692.31 4,279.28 Green Highways Projects 36,240.00 54,120.00 60,240.00 73,452.00 88,578.00

Grand Total Expenditure (General Fund + Green Fund) 38,514.21 56,951.11 63,416.87 77,144.31 92,857.28

IV Closing Balance - 100.00 300.00 600.00 1,000.00

Note: All numerical values are in Rs. Lakh.



Budget (2021-2026)S.No. Details 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26

I Opening Balance 1,000.00 1,500.00 2,100.00 235.36 4,789.60

II Receipts & Income:

A General Fund

1 NHAI (admin budget) 10,400.25 11,150.51 - - -

2 Consultancy 500.00 600.00 700.00 800.00 900.00

Total General Fund (In Rs lakh) 10,900.25 11,750.51 700.00 800.00 900.00

B Green Fund

1 CAMPA 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00

2 MNREGA 39,586.93 53,158.45 58,948.66 65,317.89 77,067.74

3 NHAI (project fund) 2,350.93 1,072.45 - - -

4 Advertisements & PPP projects 600.00 700.00 800.00 900.00 1,000.00

5 Sustainable Harvest 13,500.00 28,350.00 44,685.00 62,653.50 82,418.85

6 Carbon Offset Markets 20,736.00 20,736.00 20,736.00 20,736.00 20,736.00

Total Green Fund 79,773.86 107,016.89 128,169.66 152,607.39 184,222.59

Total (General Fund + Green Fund) (In Rs lakh) 90,674.12 118,767.40 128,869.66 153,407.39 185,122.59

III Expenditures

A General Fund

1 Capital (Office Rental, furnishing, Machinery, Vehicles Procurement) 555.19 610.71 671.78 738.95 812.85

2 Wages & Salaries 329.75 370.64 426.18 468.80 515.68

3 Office Expenditure (Stationery & other recur-ring expenses) 5.73 6.31 6.94 7.63 8.39

4 Computer & Electronic device procurement 1.98 3.96 4.46 - -

5 HO Travel Allowance & Vehicles POL 32.21 35.43 38.97 42.87 47.16

6 Training & Extension works 1,236.87 1,360.56 1,496.61 1,646.28 1,810.90

7 Centre for Green Pathways consultancy & ToT 6,220.80 6,220.80 6,220.80 6,220.80 6,220.80

8 Monitoring Cost 22.23 24.45 26.89 29.58 32.54

9 IHMCL Facilitation Charges 1595 2140 2563 3052 3684

10 Misc Expenses 1,000.02 1,077.32 1,145.60 1,220.71 1,313.28

Total General Fund 11,000.25 11,850.51 12,601.63 13,427.77 14,446.06

Green Highways Projects 79,173.86 106,316.89 117,897.32 130,635.79 154,135.47

Grand Total Expenditure (General Fund + Green Fund) 90,174.12 118,167.40 130,498.95 144,063.56 168,581.53

IV Closing Balance 1,500.00 2,100.00 235.36 4,789.60 10,665.33

Note: All numerical values are in Rs. Lakh



Organization Structure of National Green Highways Mission

HUMAN RESOURCE REQUIREMENT FOR National Green Highways Mission

Based on the Scope of Work following human resource requirement has been identified:

HEAD OFFICE STAFF REQUIREMENT: 28

(MD -1, AMD – 1, ED -2, GM -2, DGM – 3, Managers - 4, Consultants – 2, Executive Assistants – 5, Accountant – 1, Computer /Tally Operator – 2, Support Staff- 5{Driver -3, Helper- 2})

FIELD STAFF REQUIREMENT: 139

Field Staff will include 19 Senior Plantation Managers who will work in Regional Offices of NHAI. 120 Plantation Managers will also be hired, who will work at PIU level.

RECRUITMENT OF STAFF

Staff will be taken on deputation from central government services or from state services like State Forest Department. Need based recruitments of contractual staff will be done as and when required for filling the vacancies shown in organization structure.



Scheduling ActivitiesS

No Activity 2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

1 Assessment of existing status of median & avenue plantation on NH.

2 Review of global best practices for roadside plantations

3 Roadside Vegetation Management Guidelines

4 Development of Master Plan for Plantation and allied activities on proposed/exiting Highways network.

5 Empanelment of Professional plantation agencies/ experts/ LSGs/ Watershed Committees etc.

6 Development of operational models for taking up plantations.

7 Development of green corridors along NH

8 Monitoring of plantation projects and remedial measures to ensure quality plantations.

9 Institutional arrangements for buy back of sustainable harvest

10 Training modules for capacity building of local communities

11 Organizing Workshops and Awareness programs regarding Green Highways Projects.

12 Assessment of GHG sequestration through plantations

13 Convergence of federal schemes and funding



ANNEXURE – I

green highways for sustainable environment & inclusive...

Documents