GUNTUR, Andhra Pradesh – The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched a pioneering initiative in Andhra Pradesh by installing an algae-based artificial tree at Gandhi Park. This innovative project aims to significantly improve air quality and increase oxygen levels within the city, marking a significant step in the region’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
The algae tree, a first-of-its-kind in the state, functions as a specialized, closed-loop, and decentralized carbon-capture system. Unlike conventional trees, this 4.5-meter-tall structure houses a 600-litre transparent chamber filled with high-efficiency microalgae strains. The system operates on solar energy, drawing in polluted air from the surroundings, absorbing carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen through natural photosynthesis.
Technological Innovation for Environmental Benefit
Equipped with advanced features including solar panels, an aeration system, LED-assisted illumination, and IoT-enabled sensors that monitor crucial parameters like pH, temperature, and airflow, the algae tree operates efficiently within a compact 1.5-meter footprint. According to technical specifications provided by the GMC, a single algae tree possesses a carbon absorption capacity equivalent to approximately 20 to 25 mature trees. This makes it a highly effective tool for reducing particulate matter and purifying the air within a 15-meter radius of its installation.
The pilot project was implemented under the ‘Nava Guntur’ initiative, with financial support provided by Lalitha Hospitals through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, at an approximate cost of ₹5 lakh. GMC Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok highlighted that while traditional tree plantation drives remain a priority, these technological installations serve as a vital supplementary measure for densely populated urban areas, busy intersections, and public spaces where space constraints limit conventional greening efforts.
Broader Impact and Future Plans
Beyond its direct environmental benefits, the initiative also aims to foster greater awareness among citizens, particularly children and young people, about pollution control and environmental protection. The GMC plans to closely monitor the performance of this pilot installation and has identified parks, educational institutions, government offices, and roadside areas as potential locations for future installations, further strengthening the city’s urban green infrastructure.
Guntur has been actively working towards improving its air quality, having secured the third position in the country in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan contest for 2023-24. The city has seen a notable increase in greenery, with its green cover expanding from 17% in 2021 to 30%. This has been achieved through various initiatives including increased plantations along central medians and avenues, construction of drain-to-drain roads to facilitate sweeping, and the use of mist sprayers to mitigate dust and pollution.
Furthermore, the effective implementation of waste management practices, including composting of wet waste and recycling of dry waste, along with a waste-to-energy plant, has contributed to reducing pollution levels in the city. The GMC has also established air quality testing points across the city to monitor pollution levels effectively. These combined efforts underscore Guntur’s commitment to enhancing environmental quality and creating a healthier urban environment.
The Chenab Times News Desk
