Delhi University Opens India's First Carbon Garden to Fight Pollution

Delhi University (DU) has inaugurated what it calls India's first Carbon Garden at its Department of Botany, a new initiative aimed at tackling air and soil pollution while fostering urban biodiversity.

The garden, developed on roughly 2,000 square feet of land in front of the department, features around 50 plant species, including herbs, shrubs, and trees. It has been designed as a mini biodiversity park, integrating various forms of plant and microbial life such as algae, fungi, and bacteria. The setup also includes Spirulina, and microorganisms found on tree bark are expected to help break down certain gases and pollutants.

The concept relies on the natural capacity of plants and microorganisms to absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, while simultaneously improving soil quality and supporting biodiversity.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh inaugurated the garden on Thursday and planted a Kalpavriksha sapling to mark the occasion. During the event, he warned that Delhi could become the "pollution capital" if timely measures are not taken. He argued that environmental problems caused by human activity cannot be solved through technology alone and called for sustainable solutions.

Singh also stressed the need for climate-sensitive urban planning, suggesting that development projects should account for India's environmental conditions rather than blindly adopting building designs from other countries.

The Carbon Garden is intended to demonstrate how a relatively small green space can contribute to environmental efforts in a densely populated city. The university has encouraged its other departments and colleges to consider establishing similar gardens on their own campuses.