To combat the perennial air pollution problems, it is crucial to understand the Microhabitats of Delhi. The national Capital which has been tagged as one of the world’s most polluted cities, requires plantation with respect to soil and local environmental conditions.
The team of Professor C R Babu and Dr Faiyaz A Khudsar of Delhi University spoke exclusively to The Pioneer about the scientific approach for plantation in a view to deter pollution and maintain ecological balance in a mega city like Delhi which is divided in four different zone — Kohi (the Ridge ), Khadar (Riverine), Dabar (Marshy) and Bangar (Plain Alluvial).
Incidentally, it was being argued among environmentalist that despite having enough forest cover, the Capital faces pollution problem in every winter season, however, State and Central Government both have planned wisely and smartly to escalate forest cover. But, with the time just a forestation is small effort without scientific approach in a bid to deal with ‘Sox, Nox and Particulate Matter (PMs) noxious pollutants’.
While mentioning about plantation, pertinently, to educate volunteers going to become part of Delhi’s massive plantation about what Delhi’s soil is demanding, Professor Baba and team of scientist in Delhi University said native plants with respect to local environmental conditions are needed as these would prove highly effective. Elaborating more on this, Dr Faiyaz, a scientist, said that the plants analogous to Kohi environment conditions are — Palash, Teet, Karonda and Kardhai, for Khadar (Riverine) area, suitable plants are — Kaith, Kher, Bhel (Bael), Mitrogyna.
While for Banger area, trees required to plants are -Kusum and Anjan , and for Dabar marshy land are Phragmites australis, Sedges and Tamarix.
Recalling some of researches in old history books about Delhi, Dr Ekta Khurana said that after 1857 when British came to rule here, they seeded Vilaytai plants just to escalate aesthetic beauty, instance — one can see Orchid and Kikar trees. “But how much these plants are effective to tighten soil and good enough to combat air pollution problem was the question,” said Dr Ekta. “with adequate research and experiments, it was found that native trees , instance —Jamun , Palash, shami , Teet are some of native plant species required to plant,” said the scientist.