Can vertical gardening be the solution to Dhaka’s air pollution crisis?
Dhaka’s air pollution has become one of winter’s most pressing issues. People of all ages, professions, and sectors have experienced the severe impact of toxic air, filled with harmful substances such as PM10, black carbon, sulfur, dust, and other pollutants.
The Dhaka city’s Air quality index (AQI) has frequently surpassed hazardous levels, often exceeding 300. This year, air pollution has raised concerns among citizens and environmentalists like never before.
With more patients suffering from asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases, hospitals urgently need a solution.
One potential solution can be the implementation of vertical gardening around the city. As Dhaka has limited space for large-scale plantations, vertical gardening offers a sustainable alternative.
Cities like Singapore, Paris, Tokyo, Bogotá, and Madrid have already integrated vertical gardens into their urban landscapes to promote sustainability. Could this also be the solution to Dhaka’s air pollution crisis?
A promising method for implementing vertical gardening in Dhaka is to use the pillars of existing flyovers and metro rail.
Several flyovers in Dhaka are now fully constructed and operational, including those at Mohakhali, Khilgaon, Kuril, Mayor Mohammad Hanif Flyover, Moghbazar-Mouchak, Banani, Tejgaon, Mirpur, and Postagola. These structures, particularly their pillars, could serve as ideal spaces for vertical gardening initiatives.
The Mayor Mohammad Hanif Flyover stands out as the longest in the area, extending nearly 11 kilometers. Together, these flyovers span a total of around 105 kilometers.
A survey is needed to determine the exact number of pillars in each flyover, but there are enough pillars available to start creating green spaces for the city’s improvement.
For example, the Mohakhali Flyover, one of the shortest, spans just 1.12 kilometers but is supported by 19 pillars. This number of pillars is suitable for a pilot project, and the same method can be used for other flyovers and infrastructure in Dhaka.
In addition to the flyovers, Dhaka’s Metro Rail system offers another potential opportunity. The MRT Line 6, running about 20 kilometers from Uttara to Motijheel, has many piers that can be used for vertical gardening.
With new MRT lines under construction, there will be more chances to incorporate greenery into the city’s transportation. Additionally, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway also features numerous piers that could support vertical gardening.
Successful vertical gardening in Dhaka needs collaboration among various sectors. Meteorologists identify areas with extreme heat and pollution, while GIS experts map locations for effective vertical gardens. These areas could be prioritized for greening initiatives.
Environmentalists should evaluate the impact of vertical gardens by examining which plants can thrive in urban areas and their effectiveness in absorbing pollutants. This would involve analyzing the amount of oxygen plants release and the carbon and toxic substances they can absorb.
Botanists and horticulturists should identify the best plant species for vertical gardening in Dhaka’s climate and air quality. This will ensure that the gardens are not only sustainable but also effective in improving air quality.
Civil engineers must evaluate the strength of flyover and metro rail pillars to ensure they can safely support the trains. Experts in urban development and sustainability can promote collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and donors.
The air pollution crisis in Dhaka is a serious public health threat. Vertical gardening can improve air quality by using the pillars of flyovers, metro rail systems, and elevated expressways. Vertical gardening could play a vital role in making Dhaka a more sustainable city with proper planning and execution.
