Hyderabad Battles Rising Air Pollution with Medicinal Plants
Air pollution in Hyderabad has reached alarming levels, prompting environmental experts to suggest measures for tackling pollution in industrial zones. One key recommendation is the plantation of native medicinal plants like neem, Indian bamboo, and gooseberry in industrial areas and at major traffic junctions. These plants are effective in removing particulate matter (PM) from the air. Experts also advise against planting ornamental species, as they do little to clean the air and may even contribute to problems.
Medicinal plants hold special importance in reducing air pollution. They not only absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but they also filter harmful pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide through their leaves. Trees such as mango, peepal, jackfruit, pine, and eucalyptus are particularly beneficial. In addition to their environmental benefits, these trees are used in Ayurveda and modern medicine due to their healing properties.
Dr. Upul Kumara, an Ayurvedic expert specializing in pollution control, emphasized the role of medicinal plants in reducing greenhouse gases. He highlighted species like bamboo, peepal, mango, pine, eucalyptus, and fig for their exceptional ability to absorb carbon dioxide. These trees can significantly improve air quality and combat the effects of climate change.
Beyond air purification, some plants can also help clean contaminated soil and water. Dr. Kumara explained that species like vetiver, Indian mustard, moringa, sunflower, and neem are effective in extracting heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, arsenic, and chromium from polluted environments. This ability makes them crucial for restoring ecological balance and addressing public health concerns linked to pollution.
Several environmental experts have raised concerns about the widespread use of ornamental plants in industrial areas. While attractive, these plants often fail to absorb pollutants and can even create additional issues. For instance, some ornamental plants release pollen twice a year, which can cause health problems like asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues. Additionally, their roots may clog drainage systems and freshwater pipelines, releasing toxic gases in the process.
Environmental scientist C. Uma Maheshwar Reddy stressed the need to prioritize medicinal plants over ornamental ones. However, he also pointed out that the effectiveness of medicinal plants is limited to a few years. To address pollution in the long term, Reddy recommends solutions like source-level pollution control, eco-friendly development practices, and better sanitation of water bodies. He called on the state government to take proactive steps in promoting sustainable solutions for a cleaner and healthier environment.
