The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has removed vertical gardens from the Airport-New Garia metro piers in New Town. This decision comes after objections were raised regarding the potential damage caused by the weight of the plants and regular watering to the metro pillars.
Metro officials emphasized the need for clear visibility and access to the pillars for inspections and maintenance purposes. They asserted that any structural issues detected must be promptly addressed, necessitating unobstructed access to the pillars. An NKDA official acknowledged the removal of the vertical garden plants following Metro Railway’s reservations, noting that while initial permission was granted for the setup and maintenance of the gardens, ongoing concerns about upkeep prompted the cessation of the project. In response, civil engineers have questioned the rationale behind removing the vertical gardens, arguing that the load-bearing capacity of the pillars far exceeds the weight of the plants. They dismissed concerns over long-term damage from watering, citing that concrete structures are designed to withstand such maintenance practices without significant impact.
However, some green activists have expressed apprehension that the removal might pave the way for commercial billboards, potentially undermining the environmental benefits initially envisaged by the vertical garden project. Initially launched as part of a beautification initiative six years ago, the vertical gardens adorned piers along New Town’s Major Arterial Road, featuring over 300 plants known for their low water requirement and minimal maintenance needs. The greenery aimed to mitigate heat, reduce pollution, and enhance the local environment. Following the cessation of watering by Hidco after the Metro’s directive, the once-vibrant vertical gardens wilted under the summer sun, transforming the previously attractive pillars into a visual eyesore. NKDA is now in the process of removing the pots and preparing to repaint the pillars to restore their aesthetic appeal.
