LUCKNOW: For centuries, Indians at home have used these

, either as condiments in cooking or to cure diseases. Now, the UP government is on course to grow haldi (

), brahmi, ashvagandha, anantmula, janofa and mashparni — among 34 herb varieties — along national and state highways for their medicinal benefits in the belief that they will “keep air-borne, bacterial and face (skin) diseases at bay”.

According to Ayurveda experts, the benefits of brahmi include sharpness of memory, ashvagandha has been in use for general wellness, including against depression and high blood sugar, and mashparni’s benefits include boosting body energy, strengthening muscles and increasing sperm count. Undertaken by UP’s public works department (PWD), the plan is an extension of NDA’s flagship Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

According to the detailed note by PWD, accessed by TOI, pilot project has started in 18 districts. The PWD note also blames the invasion of “English plants” (meaning non-native species) such as cacti and bonsai (the Japanese word for growing miniature trees by stunting their growth) in homes, offices and parks, and the declining use of plants mentioned in the Ayurveda system of medicine. “Besides, one of prime reasons for unfit India is shrinking open air and disappearing Ayurveda trees. There is a need for herbalrich gardens, herbal-rich roads (sic) to use them to our advantage,” the note said.

“Asthma, cancer and face (skin) diseases are growing despite hospitals and availability of doctors. The cure is possible with help of these herbs,” the note added. A pilot initiative has already been implemented on busy stretches of the Delhi-Yamunotri state highway 57 in Saharanpur, Ashapur-Sarnath state highway in Varanasi, Panchkosi Parikrama state highway in Ayodhya, the Gorakhpur-Deoria state highway, the Aligarh-Mathura highway via Keshavdham and the Banda-Bahraich stretch in Chitrakoot.

‘UP is the 1st state to implement scheme’

For centuries, Indians at home have used these Ayurveda herbs, either as condiments in cooking or to cure diseases.

UP deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, who heads the PWD, says the plan was conceived last year to revive both Ayurveda in India as well as help people stay disease-free. “UP has become the first state to implement such a plan in India,” said Maurya.

The PM’s endeavour to bring the benefits of Ayushman Bharat to the common man is already reaping benefits. Such a scheme will help both development and beautification and bring medicinal benefits,” said Maurya.