The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a unique initiative to plant lavender along a 16-kilometre stretch of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, between Banihal and Qazigund.

The project is aimed at enhancing the visual appeal of the highway while promoting aroma tourism in the region. According to Shubham Yadav, Project Director at NHAI, the lavender plantation will not only beautify the highway but also help create livelihood opportunities for local communities.

He stated that this initiative aligns with NHAI’s broader efforts to combine infrastructure development with environmental sustainability and community engagement. The lavender corridor is expected to attract tourists, offering travellers a unique sensory experience and supporting the government’s focus on developing eco-friendly tourism routes across Jammu and Kashmir.