Promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development, the use of fly ash and industrial waste materials in national highway construction is being adopted on a large scale across the country. In various projects in Chhattisgarh, green highways are being developed using crores of metric tonnes of fly ash along with alternative materials such as steel slag, waste tyre rubber and bio-bitumen, helping reduce carbon emissions while ensuring scientific disposal of industrial waste.

The National Highways Authority of India is undertaking several innovative initiatives to maintain ecological balance alongside the development of modern road infrastructure. Fly ash generated from thermal power plants is being extensively utilized in highway construction projects. During 2024-25, a record 21.7 million metric tonnes of fly ash was used in various highway projects in Chhattisgarh, while more than 6.2 million metric tonnes was utilized during 2025-26. In the current financial year 2026-27, nearly 2 million metric tonnes of fly ash has already been used in road construction works.

In addition, the recycling and reuse of alternative materials such as steel slag from the steel industry, waste tyre rubber and bio-bitumen are also being actively promoted. A total of 30,477 metric tonnes of such materials was used in green highway construction during 2024-25, while 2,691.29 metric tonnes was utilized in 2025-26. These initiatives have not only strengthened the scientific management of industrial waste but have also made highway construction more environment-friendly.

National highway projects are also prioritizing water conservation and groundwater recharge measures. Rainwater harvesting pits are being developed to strengthen water conservation efforts, while treated water obtained from Sewage Treatment Plants is being utilized for construction activities and plantation irrigation.

Keeping wildlife conservation in focus, eco-friendly infrastructure is being developed in environmentally sensitive forest regions. In Chhattisgarh’s Sitanadi-Udanti sanctuary area, an approximately three-kilometre-long tunnel is being constructed to ensure minimum disturbance to the natural forest ecosystem. Special structures such as elephant passes, animal underpasses and monkey canopies are also being developed to facilitate safe movement of wildlife.

To promote green highways, large-scale plantation drives are also being undertaken along national highways. Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign, more than 2.5 lakh saplings were planted along highways and dividers in Chhattisgarh during the previous year, marking a significant achievement in the direction of green development and environmental conservation.

 

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RDJ/BKT

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