More hanging gardens below flyovers

New Delhi: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has decided to develop vertical gardens on the 142 pillars of the flyovers developed earlier by it. The SDMC earlier took an initiative to develop spaces underneath the referred flyovers on the major roads owned by the PWD with an aim to provide a soothing feeling to the pedestrians and passengers in the buses and private vehicles with addition of greenery, public art and attractive lighting there.  

The decision to develop vertical gardens on pillars under flyovers was taken in a high level meeting chaired by the then Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat and attended by the commissioner, Dr Puneet Kumar Goel. According to Ms Sehrawat, the SDMC has formulated an action plan to develop vertical gardens over 142 pillars of about a dozen flyovers in a phased manner; the five flyovers in the first phase namely Lajpat Nagar, Andrews Ganj, Sarai Kale Khan, Kalkaji, Nehru Place and Raja Garden.  

"Only recycled water will be used to develop vertical garden. The development of a vertical garden has already been initiated at Savitri flyover. The project of vertical gardens is of paramount importance to the capital city as host of departments and agencies are involved in giving a pleasing look to Delhi," Ms Sehrawat added.

While giving background of the project the mayor said that Prime Minster Narender Modi is keen to beautify national capital by showcasing the development on all major roads by displaying the achievements through attractive greenery, hanging gardens say vertical gardens and theme based public art.  

"He (Mr Modi) has instructed the two concerned ministries to develop vertical gardens across the city to curb air pollution. Our action plan is in accordance with the efforts of ministry of housing and urban affairs to check air pollution, especially dust pollution. Delhi generates over 131 ton of dust every day which is one of the leading causes of the degrading air pollution in the capital," she said.

A variety of ferns, ficus species, ribbon grass and blade grass will adorn these vertical gardens.  The SDMC is considering the two holding structures in mind for the vertical gardens. One in which plastic pots is hung over plastic frames and another with a coco-pit-based medium for plants, with a bigger root system.