J&K to employ 2.67 lakh tonnes of recycled waste in ‘Green Highways’

The Centre has informed the Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir has been set a target to utilise nearly 2.67 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and waste materials in the construction of National Highways during 2025–26. The initiative is part of the Modi Government’s Green Highways Policy, according to details placed before the Lok Sabha.

Under the allocation, the Union Territory will use around 1.90 lakh metric tonnes of construction and demolition waste, 76,000 metric tonnes of recycled materials, and about 2,500 metric tonnes of fly ash in road-building activities. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable infrastructure development, particularly significant for a ecologically sensitive Himalayan region such as Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said these targets are part of a nationwide strategy to promote the use of recycled materials, industrial by-products and fly ash in highway construction. Structural safety and performance are ensured through standards framed by the Indian Roads Congress, which are periodically updated based on pilot projects, field performance and technical evaluations.

Afforestation Drive

In addition to material reuse, the Union Territory has made steady progress in roadside plantation under the Green Highways Policy, which was introduced in 2015.

Jammu and Kashmir has recorded the plantation of around 5.65 lakh saplings along National Highways, including avenue and median plantations, up to December 4, 2025. Although the numbers are smaller compared to larger states, they are notable given the region’s challenging terrain, limited land availability and harsh climatic conditions.

At the national level, the government informed Parliament that over 524.68 lakh saplings have been planted along National Highways since 2015. Of this, about 58.82 lakh plants were added during 2025–26 alone under initiatives such as the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign.