ICAR-IARI and DMRC Join Hands to Develop India’s First Scientific Green Belt Along Delhi Metro Corridor

 

New Delhi, April 24: 

In a major initiative aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India’s first scientifically designed green belt along the Delhi Metro Yellow Line.

The agreement was formalized in the presence of senior officials from both institutions, including Ch. Srinivas Rao, Viswanathan Chinnusamy, and Manuj Singhal.

The project aims to create a climate-resilient and pollution-mitigating green corridor along a 1.5-kilometre stretch between the Adarsh Nagar Metro Station and Jahangirpuri Metro Station metro stations.

Under the collaboration, ICAR-IARI will provide scientific guidance and technical expertise to transform the concrete median along the metro corridor into a sustainable green ecosystem. The selected stretch currently faces challenges such as deep shade, vehicular emissions, high temperatures, and limited ecological support.

The initiative will focus on introducing pollution-tolerant and climate-resilient plant species selected using the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). Advanced technologies such as biochar-based soil enhancement, mycorrhizal applications, and IoT-enabled smart irrigation systems will also be integrated into the project to improve plant survival and optimize water usage.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ch. Srinivas Rao described the project as a transformative step that expands the role of agricultural science beyond conventional farming into urban infrastructure and environmental sustainability. He stated that such science-based interventions could significantly improve air quality and urban livability in metropolitan regions.

The pilot project will be implemented over one year with an estimated budget of ₹20.29 lakh, including GST. The execution plan includes phased activities such as site assessment, biophilic landscape design, plantation planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

Officials noted that the initiative aligns with India’s broader goals related to clean air, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development. The collaboration is expected to serve as a model for future urban greening projects across the country by combining scientific research with modern infrastructure planning.