Context:

Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced the development of India’s first dedicated ‘Bee Corridors’ along National Highways. This initiative marks a shift from ornamental roadside plantations to ecological and climate-sensitive highway planning, integrating biodiversity conservation with infrastructure development.

About Bee Corridors:

Bee Corridors are linear stretches of pollinator-friendly vegetation developed along National Highways. These corridors will consist of flowering trees, shrubs, and plants that provide year-round nectar and pollen for honeybees and other pollinators.

Aim:

The initiative aims to reduce ecological stress on pollinators, ensure continuous nectar availability, and strengthen agricultural productivity and ecological balance through sustainable plantation planning.

Key Features:

• • • Native, Nectar-Rich Plantation Mix: Species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Jamun, and Siris will be planted to enhance biodiversity.
    • Staggered Blooming Cycle: The selection of species will ensure flowering across different seasons, maintaining a near-continuous food supply for bees.
    • Strategic Spacing: Flowering clusters will be planted at intervals of 500 m to 1 km, aligned with the average foraging distance of honeybees.
    • Climate-Sensitive Planning: Corridors will be developed based on local agro-climatic suitability.

Significance of the Initiative:

• • • Enhancing Ecological Services: Pollination is critical for agriculture and horticulture. Bee Corridors will strengthen ecosystem services essential for crop productivity.
    • Promoting Sustainable Infrastructure: The initiative integrates biodiversity conservation into highway construction, reflecting the concept of green infrastructure.
    • Supporting Food Security: Healthy pollinator populations contribute directly to sustainable agricultural systems.

Importance of Bees:

Bees are vital winged insects and act as keystone species, pollinating nearly 90% of wild flowering plants and about one-third of global crops.

• • • Species in India:
      • Apis cerana indica (Indian Hive Bee)
      • Apis dorsata (Rock Bee)
      • Apis florea (Little Bee)
      • Apis mellifera (Western Honey Bee – introduced)
      • Recently discovered Apis karinjodian (Indian Black Honey Bee)

Special Aspects:

• • • Waggle Dance: A unique communication method used by honeybees to indicate the direction and distance of food sources.
    • Stingless Bees: Tetragonula iridipennis, found in Northeast India, are effective pollinators.

Threats & Conservation:

Major threats include habitat loss, pesticide misuse, and climate change. Global efforts such as World Bee Day (20 May) promote pollinator conservation. In India, initiatives like the Mobile Honey Processing Van by KVIC support beekeeping and rural livelihoods.

Conclusion:

The Bee Corridor initiative reflects India’s commitment to sustainable development by linking infrastructure growth with biodiversity conservation.