VIJAYAWADA: With air pollution levels increasing at an alarming rate in city, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has taken an initiative for developing vertical organic gardens on the pillars of flyovers, utilising the existing civic infrastructure for increasing green cover.
In a recent workshop organised by Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) officials, experts underscored the need for improving greenery in the city to combat air pollution and reducing the PM 2.5 concentration to save people from respiratory diseases.
Taking note of the issue, Municipal Commissioner J Nivas directed the department to make proposals for developing a vertical garden on the flyover pillars.
As a first step in this direction, the civic body decided to develop vertical gardens on 23 pillars of the Kanaka Durga flyover between Head Water Works and Punnami Ghat. Horticulture department officials launched the works a few days ago.
November 14 has been set as the deadline for the completion of the first vertical garden. Apart from helping fight air pollution in the city, the vertical garden, according to civic officials, will provide a visual treat to the people visiting the city to witness Formula 1 Powerboat Racing (F1H20) World Championship in Krishna river from November 16 to 18.
Speaking to TNIE on Sunday, VMC assistant director of horticulture Pradeep Kumar said the concept had evoked a good response in metropolitan cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.
The gardens will be maintained by automated drip irrigation systems that will ensure plants receive their daily dose of 100 millilitres of water, said Kumar. The cost of borewells, pump rooms, storage tanks, sump, and electricity supply may come up to around Rs 7.5 lakh for each pillar, he said.