Bengaluru gets its first vertical garden to curb pollution
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As fast as the city name changed to Bengaluru from Bangalore, so does the growth of its IT sector over these years. "Today nearly 40% of the country's IT industry is concentrated in Bangalore." Source: BBC News
With more than 500 companies offering IT services, the industry here generates more than 17 billion revenue a year. Bengaluru is said to be a one-stop destination for a humongous number of IT jobs and career opportunities.
The IT Industry Is Booming!
No doubt, Information Technology sector has been a strong pillar in planting India's economic growth. But, does it even occur to anyone what impact the giant computers and thriving IT industry has on the environment? The concern is self-evoking.
Bengaluru that was once known for its lush green parks & farmlands is now abode to the best global and domestic technology companies. As reported by The Hindu, "Bangalore is among the 14 cities with high levels of pollution."
The consequence of this growth has a threatening impact on the environment despite the fact that this sector is flourishing with endless opportunities. What could be done in this case? Shut down the IT hub or launch more go green campaigns that hardly succeed?
Well, the officials of SayTrees, an NGO, thought of something different and implementable. Their idea was to wrap the city pillars with greenery. Hosur Road flyover balusters were the first project undertaken by the NGO.
Let's learn more about this creative measure that will prove to be beneficial in restoring greenery to the barren IT city.
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Bengaluru's Vertical Garden: Symbolic of New Beginnings
Yes, an initiative has been taken by a group of "ordinary people extraordinarily determined to protect the environment." says a report by NDTV
The NGO is positive about the step was taken to control pollution in the city. They are also hopeful that the vertical garden will restore the greenery as well. With an overpowering response of 24k on Facebook, Bengaluru's people are giving the initiative big thumbs.
The Whole Idea
To make the city pollution free, SayTrees team has planted around 3500 saplings of more than ten species. This vertical garden has embarked its presence in one of the pillars of Hosur Road flyover with also an intent to bring out the scenic qualities of the city. How?
Every side of this garden has a creative pattern which makes the plants look like a work of art. An automated drip irrigation system is installed that will water the 3500 saplings every day. The journey doesn't end here.
Kapil Sharma, the founder of SayTrees, stated, "I want to convert all 200+ pillars of the Hosur Road flyover to the vertical garden soon and make the entire road look out-of-the-world. Something not present in any city in India."
The NGO is making efforts to wrap all pillars of this 9+ km flyover with such artistic looking vertical garden to make the vicinity look beautiful. Also, the SayTrees team intend to do the regular maintenance of the saplings. The project is being supported by the Bangalore Elevated Tollway Private Limited.
Packed with Environmental Benefits
As per the Facebook page of the organization, below are some of the advantages the Vertical Green Walls offer:
* Mitigating air pollution levels by lessening extreme summer temperatures through trapping particulate matter, photosynthesis, and capturing gases.
* Cleansing of outside air of pollutants and dust, and offsets the carbon footprint of people and fuel emissions.
* Reducing urban heat island effect and smog
* Home creation for birds and beneficial insects, increasing biodiversity
* Acting as a sound-proof barrier. Hence, full stop on noise pollution as well.
The key to healthy living and a greener place is passed to you by the SayTrees initiative. It's your turn to pay attention to mother nature before it all gets ruined. As quoted by Wendell Berry, "The earth is what we all have in common."
Company Bio - This blog post is a contribution by Sharda University, a University that welcomes and encourages diverse ideas, beliefs, and cultures for a collaborative learning environment.
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