Jammu Kashmir to Use 2.67 Lakh Tonnes of Recycled Waste in Green Highway Projects | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has been assigned targets to use nearly 2.68 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and waste materials in National Highway construction during 2025–26 under the Centre’s Green Highways Policy, according to information tabled in the Lok Sabha.

The Union Territory has been earmarked to utilise 1.90 lakh metric tonnes of construction and demolition waste, 76,000 metric tonnes of recycled materials, and 2,500 metric tonnes of fly ash, marking a significant push towards sustainable road infrastructure in a fragile Himalayan region.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said the targets form part of a nationwide plan to mainstream recycled materials, industrial waste and fly ash in highway construction, with structural safety ensured through standards framed by the Indian Roads Congress and periodic amendments based on pilot studies and performance evaluations.

Beyond material reuse, Jammu and Kashmir has also seen steady progress in roadside greening. Since the introduction of the Green Highways Policy in 2015, the UT has recorded plantation of about 5.65 lakh saplings along National Highways, including avenue and median plantations, up to December 4, 2025. While modest compared to larger states, the figures assume importance given the region’s terrain, land constraints and climatic challenges.

At the national level, the government said 524.68 lakh plants have been planted along highways since 2015, with 58.82 lakh saplings planted during 2025–26 alone under campaigns such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0. Plantation activities are mandatory components of all highway project reports and concession agreements.

To ensure accountability, the National Highways Authority of India has begun using AI and machine learning-based drone monitoring to assess plantation survival rates. The system analyses drone imagery through a dedicated monitoring platform, while satellite-based green cover estimation is being carried out by the National Remote Sensing Centre. The Ministry described the initiative as a pilot project currently under refinement.

The Centre has also notified guidelines allowing the use of steel slag, plastic waste, urban solid waste and other industrial by-products in highway construction, issuing formal directions in September 2024. Coordination with steel plants has been put in place to ensure steady supply and quality control of slag used in pavements.