While air pollution is set to hit a chocking peak in Delhi, neighbouring Uttar Pradesh has brought some immunity to air by constructing herbal roads across the state. The Yogi Adityanath government has completed construction of 175 such roads in the state.
According to reports, more than 38,000 herbal and Ayurvedic plants of 30 species like Peepal, Neem, Tulsi, Giloy, Ashwagandha, Mentha, Lemon Grass, Bhringraj, Mui, Aonla, Brahmi, Tulsi, Anantmul, Gwarpath, Turmeric and other Ayurvedic and herbal plants have been planted alongside the roads.
These plants are expected to purify the air and reduce pollution.
The PWD has completed the project within the stipulated time and one road each in the districts of the 18 divisions of the state has been developed into herbal roads, reported IANS.
The government claims that while these plants will help prevent soil erosion, they will also provide raw material for medicines, making them more valuable.
This scheme would provide multiple benefits – development, beautification, medicinal benefits as well as promotion of biodiversity, UP Deputy CM and PWD Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya had said earlier.
The 800 km-long herbal roads have been developed along national as well as state highways that pass through Uttar Pradesh. Reports said every district in the state has at least two such roads.
The project came at a time when the northern states, especially Delhi, are grappling with the alarming surge in air pollution level. With the onset of stubble burning season in Punjab and Haryana, Delhi’s air quality is likely to deteriorate further.
