KSPCB bets on trees for clean air

BENGALURU: While the city is reeling under dwindling green cover and rising air pollution, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s (KSPCB) proposed plan could provide the worried Bengalureans a reason to smile. The pollution control board will grant Rs 8 lakh to the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) to study the species of trees that will be more tolerant to air pollution.

Confirming the news, KSPCB Chairman Lakshman said, “Yes, we have decided to provide aid to the IIHR to study those species of trees whose intake of carbon dioxide is more and can emit more oxygen. This we have taken up in the board meeting.” A KSPCB official explained that trees that develop roughness on its leaves give an indication of the level of pollutants in the vicinity and  if this plan is  implemented it will help the efforts of the government in turning the city green.

Lakshman added that once the species are decided it would be planted in industrial and core areas where the level of pollution is high. Though the plan is in its initial stage, there have been several research papers which prove that trees remove PM2.5 particles that can cause lung infections. Elated over the board’s decision to fund IIHR for the research, tree doctor Vijay Nishanth commended KSPCB’s  proactive approach towards containing air pollution.

“The government institution funding a research is a very positive step. Bengaluru is a place where parallel planting of indigenous along with exotic species of trees can be done, but the research will reveal the kind of species required to contain pollution,” he added. The city’s fast growing vehicle population, currently at 72 lakh, and widespread infrastructural development has taken a heavy toll on its green cover.