20.1.17

Karnataka state highways to develop into green corridors

There are 14 national highways and 114 state highways with a total length of 28,311 km in Karnataka. Of these, state highways are more as they are the arterial routes linking district headquarters, important towns and national highways.

The state government has proposed to develop eco-friendly roads by earmarking one per cent of the civil cost of highway development projects for planting of saplings.This will cover both the existing sections as well as new routes that would be added to the network.

The road contractor will have to sign a pact to ensure strict compliance of planting of saplings on highways they develop and their maintenance. The saplings which are over three years old have to be planted in every 5-metre gap on both sides.

Planting of saplings will reduce the impact of air noise pollution and dust, soil erosion and provide shade under the scorching sun. It will also help prevent the glare from headlights of fast-approaching vehicles, and generate more employment.

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