Mumbai: 5 lakh bamboo plants to be grown along Eastern, Western Express Highway

According to experts, bamboo is a low-maintenance plant and is a fast-growing species. Representation Pic

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to develop green stretches along the Eastern and Western Express Highway by growing around 5 lakh bamboo plants. Civic chief I S Chahal said, "In the first phase, bamboo will be planted along the Eastern Express Highway from Bhandup to Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli. The tendering work of the cultivation of 8,100 plants in the process." The garden department is identifying feasible locations to grow around five lakh plants.

Explaining why the civic body decided to plant bamboo, an official cited research that revealed that bamboo emits 35 per cent more oxygen compared to trees. "This is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint. Also, bamboo is a low-maintenance plant compared to others and is a fast-growing species," the official stated. "We will find suitable locations to plant bamboo along the highways. The species of bamboo will decide as per the availability of land for plantation," he added.

Bamboo plantation expert Sanjeev Karpe said, "Bamboo releases more oxygen compared to trees and is the fastest-growing plant species. It absorbs more carbon dioxide and discharges more oxygen in comparison."

Asked about these claims, arboriculturist Vaibhav Raje said, "I'm not sure about research on the oxygen discharge of bamboo, but it has significant benefits. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant species and it will be unnecessary to do such plantations again down the line as it is a self-generating species. It grows densely, which can work as a natural fence across the highways. Bamboo needs less water and is low-maintenance. The road will also look aesthetically pleasing and if green walls are created, motorists will benefit. Also, an ecosystem can develop. The possibility of accidents due to tree falls will be reduced. However, there is a need for proper maintenance."

35%
Amount of addl. oxygen bamboo emits