This was revealed in a recent study done by Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE), which analysed the work done under plantation initiative of NCAP. Fifteen out of 122 non-attainment cities were identified for the analysis out of which seven — Korba, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra, Chandigarh, Varanasi and Guwahati — responded to Right to Information (RTI) queries.
The plantation locations shared by authorities were plotted using Google Earth and superimposed on pollution hotspots of the city, using maps from APnA city programme of Urban Emissions. Analysis showed that in most cases, the plantation drive had either excluded key pollution hotspots or used wrong species that do not absorb pollution.
Out of the 43 plantation areas in Hyderabad, only one is in pollution hotspot, while rest are in moderately or less polluted areas. Delhi too has neglected hotspots in Dwarka, Mundka, Narela and Bawana. “In Varanasi, 60% of the total 25 plantation locations were in residential areas, in contrast to the 8% around traffic hubs and junctions. No plantation work was done in Guwahati. Even the plantation plan, which details actions to be taken and their timelines, was not prepared,” the analysis stated, adding this is in clear contradiction with NCAP.
Despite vehicular pollution being major pollution source, Chandigarh continued to plantation in gardens and parks, instead of junctions and roads.
Apart from this, selection of species has also been very poor. “In Varanasi, Kanak Champa, Peltophorum and Semul have been used in green belt development, even though they have not been recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board. Cities must move towards selection of native species that are good for pollutant absorption,” the analysis stated.
According to experts, merely planting trees cannot reduce pollution levels. “Greening cities with trees in wrong places and with wrong species will not reduce pollution. The first priority of every city must be on protection of existing trees, especially in pollution hotspots. Transplantation is not the answer since trees will be transplanted from pollution hotspot areas to greener areas. NCAP’s target will not be met if we simply go on planting trees without any detailed plan of what to plant and where to plant,” said Ritwick Dutta, managing trustee of LIFE.
Key Findings
Tree plantations done under NCAP in most Indian cities have been ineffective
Most cities have planted alien or ornamental species, which will not be beneficial in reducing air pollution
Over 50% plantations in Korba are around thermal power plant, while city pollution hotspots such as traffic junctions have none
Of 43 plantation areas in Hyderabad, only one is in a pollution hotspot, while the rest are in moderately polluted or less polluted areas
Delhi has also neglected hotspots in Dwarka, Mundka, Narela and Bawana
In Varanasi, 60% of total 25 plantation locations were in residential areas in contrast to 8% around traffic hubs and junctions
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