CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIRNEERI) has also come forward and contributing to improve the air quality of the city by proposing its ‘Smart Tree’ which can be installed at traffic junctions. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has prepared an action plan under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) for improvement of air quality of Nagpur till next year. MPCB took help of NEERI for framing the action plan and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is the implementing authority. NEERI has submited a proposal of organic Light Tower inclusive of water sprinkler which is also called as ‘Smart Tree’ to the NMC. This‘SmartTree’ would have misting system that sprinkles water drops nearby areas. Road construction, Maha Metro project and many other infrastructure development works are underway in the city.

 

These construction works are generating huge amount of dust on daily basis. Along with industrial and traffic pollution, the dust is also the big reason of poor air quality. Keeping this in mind, NEERI come up with ‘Smart Tree’, which can help to reduce dust particles on city roads. “This artificial trees will have compartments to grow original plants which also can help to release oxygen. This Smart Tree will also have LED lights and also release mists,” Dr Rita Dhodapkar, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NEERI told ‘The Hitavada’. Sprinkling water in form of mist is a good option to settle down dust on city roads.

 

This tree is look like very similar to a normal tree but its mist spraying technique makes it different. The mist cooling system can control the surrounding temperature to about 2-7 degree Celsius lower than the ambient temperature. “We have proposed a demo ‘Smart Tree’ at Sakkardara Garden to NMC. If they consider the proposal we can fit it there. If the tree receives good response in the garden then it can be used at traffic junctions in all over the city,” said Dr Dhodapkar.

 

The ‘Smart Tree’ is an organic light tower consisting of metal framework covered with living plants enhance the landscaping features of an entrance of a traffic junction. Money plant which is known for its air purifying properties and produces oxygen in the night too, can be used on this artificial tree. Apart from this, VariegatedTabernae Montana, Crasulean plants and Orchids flowering plants also can be on this ‘Smart Tree’. The ‘Smart Tree’ can be developed to any size and shape depending on the location and requirement. It has controlled system of drip irrigation so that there is no wastage of water, said Dr Dhodapkar.