Tit-Bit: In reference to pillar-based vertical gardens in Mexico city which went viral over social media, a project of the similar kind is being implemented in Namma Bengaluru. A project where Metro pillars will be converted into vertical gardens using a method called hydroponics.
Vertical Garden on Pillars using Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in an organic way without using soil by providing all nutrients in the plants and adequate water supply. An interesting fact to note here is that the plants grown using this method uses 90% less water and about 500 liters of water is enough to feed the plants on a single pillar, and the associated water tank is filled only once in a month.
A decade ago when Metro project commenced, who had thought that one day, it transforms the city’s transportation and also offer a possibility to enhance the green space?
A Demo Pillar near Rangoli Art Centre next to the MG Road Metro Station
In line with Mexico’s project, a start-up called Hydrobloom developed a similar project near Rangoli Art Centre after seeking a permission from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL). A permission was granted to make a vertical garden with a focus not only on aesthetics but predominantly on reducing air pollution owing to an increase in the number of vehicles in the city.
As of now, 800+ plants including Ornamental ones are already a part of the vertical garden on the MG Road Metro Pillar near Art center. Speaking about this, Hydrobloom’s Managing director said,
“Once we succeed in getting required results, the project will be taken up on the entire stretch of MG Road. We will also look for sponsors under corporate social responsibility. The vertical garden project is ideal for cities like Bengaluru where pollution levels have increased at an alarming rate.” (Source: BM).
Organic Gardens on Hosur Road Electronic City Flyover
An initiative by SayTrees has given rise to over 3,500 saplings of 10 different species on Hosur Road Electronic City flyover. Unlike Hydronics method, the plants will get 100 milliliters of water through an automated drip irrigation installed within the garden.
On highlighting the benefits of this kind of plantation, Saytress said,
“This will help reduce the urban heat and purify the air thereby curbing air pollution in the city. Also, it acts as a sound-proofing barrier and creates a healthy habitat for birds and insects. “
This is a good move, however, environmentalists have a different take on this. Kailash Murthy, a natural farming expert said that the maintenance charges look expensive and at an end of the day, it just becomes a showpiece. Another farming expert, Mr. Vijay Nishanth too expressed the same opinion as this will not suit to our environment and expressed that our roads are too hot for these plants.
Responding to the opinion, Durgesh from Saytress said,
“It was an experiment. Experiments have a 50-50 chance of being successful. We have invested a lot of time, manpower and money on these projects. And we will keep on working and reworking to increase the green cover of Bangalore.”
If we take out the challenges, still we can say that it is an appreciable initiative. What do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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