Guwahati: In a bid to tackle air pollution, heat and concrete monotony, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) is adding a dash of green to the city’s flyovers with vertical gardens.GMC has targeted 20 flyovers for the project, which officials said will make utilitarian structures greener and more visually appealing. Work has begun at the Bhagaduttapur-I flyover near Dispur Super Market, where reddish-brown vertical steel frames are being installed beneath the structure to support the gardens.“We have selected 20 flyovers in the city, where a variety of ornamental and climate-resilient plants will be grown to transform the otherwise bare concrete infrastructure into green urban spaces,” said GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania.Sarania said the project will be implemented in phases. The tender has been floated and a no-objection certificate obtained from the public works department, he said. The project is being funded under the National Clean Air Programme, a central initiative to improve urban air quality through pollution control and greening measures.Another GMC official said, “Before introducing the vertical garden concept, the corporation had undertaken several greening initiatives, including placing flower pots along road dividers and major roads and installing plant tubs on the edge of flyovers using mesh-wire fencing.”He said vertical gardens are the next step and are expected to help reduce ambient temperatures, absorb dust and pollutants, check the urban heat island effect and improve the city’s appearance.Residents welcomed the move but flagged maintenance concerns. Dipankar Thakur, a resident, said, “It is no surprise that rural areas are generally cooler than urban centres. While these vertical gardens and potted plants will certainly make a difference, the real question is how well they will be maintained. If proper upkeep is not ensured, the project may not have the desired impact. Regular maintenance will be key to its success.”The concern comes amid criticism over several saplings planted ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister’s Guwahati visit, which was later cancelled. Residents shared photographs on social media showing plants in poor condition — some dried up, stained with spit or surrounded by garbage — raising questions over upkeep.
