Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, will render its technical assistance and scientific expertise to Coimbatore Corporation for various green initiatives under the Smart City Mission. IFGTB’s expertise is expected to increase urban green cover and help the civic body in effective management of biodegradable waste.
Mohit Gera, director of IFGTB, told The Hindu on Wednesday that the research institution has expressed its willingness to work with the Corporation and assist it in areas such as selection of trees for urban greening, management of flower and vegetable waste and to make biodegradable bags to cut down usage of polythene.
Under urban greening of the Smart City Mission, IFGTB will primarily share its expertise in choosing trees and plants suitable for the city. “Trees must be selected based on long life, drought tolerance, resistance of diseases, low water consumption and care and presence of broad leaves to absorb various pollutants. We are also looking at inclusion of native trees for the selection,” said Mr. Gera. On waster management front, IFGTB will share its technical knowledge in processing flower, wood and vegetable waste. IFGTB has already developed technology and machinery for aerobic composting, which can be used to process vegetable and flower wastes from markets.
“The compost named ‘bio-booster’ can be made available to public at cheaper rates to boost terrace garden and home garden concept as potted plants have a major contribution in urban greenery. We are also working on innovation front to develop an alternative for polythene bag using available biodegradable materials,” said Mr. Gera.
IFGTB’s development plans for the Smart City Mission on the theme ‘Forests and Sustainable Cities’ was presented before Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner K. Vijayakarthikeyan at International Day of Forests celebration held at the campus on Wednesday. Speaking at the event, Mr. Vijayakarthikeyan stressed the need for scaling up area-based development for special category lands like wetlands and emphasised the use of bio-bags.
Services and contributions of Venkatasubramanian, Research Officer of IFGTB (retired), and S. Manikandan, Director of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve who was killed in elephant attack, were remembered at the function. Mr. Vijayakarthikeyan and Mr. Gera planted saplings in their remembrance.
Nearly 200 students from Dr. Dasarathan International School and Sanskara Academy took part in the event held at Gass Forest Museum of IFGTB where short films on urban greening and sustainable cities were screened. Senior officials of IFGTB namely Rajesh Gopalan, Senthil Kumar and K. Yasodha were present.
