NHAI Launches Lavender Plantation Along Jammu–Srinagar Highway

Context : The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a lavender plantation project along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway to promote aesthetic beautification and aroma-based tourism.

Key Points:

• Location: 16 km stretch between Banihal and Qazigund.

• Objective: To enhance the scenic beauty of the highway and support aroma tourism under India’s “Purple Revolution.”

• Significance:

  • Promotes eco-friendly landscaping.

  • Encourages local lavender farming in Jammu & Kashmir.

  • Aligns with the “One Road One Green Mission” of NHAI.

Fact Box:

• Lavender cultivation is part of the CSIR-IIIM’s Aroma Mission, which has transformed parts of J&K into the “Aroma Capital of India.”