Divya Verma, Landscape Architect with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, has helped shape the green identity of airports in Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru. An IGBC-Accredited Professional and ICAO–IATA certified specialist in Terminal Design and Planning, explains how thoughtful landscaping today goes beyond aesthetics to support passenger comfort, sustainability and seamless airport operations. Excerpts of the interview with Clean India Journal…
Q. How do you balance ‘aesthetic wow-factor’ with the practical need for low-maintenance greenery in high-traffic terminals
A. By designing boldly but planting smartly. I focus on hardy, climate‑resilient indoor species like Zamia, Sansevieria, Dracaena and Philodendron varieties that stay lush even with constant HVAC and high footfall.
To create visual impact, I rely on tall sculptural plants and clean geometric planter forms inspired by Awadhi patterns, so the space feels modern but still connected to Lucknow’s identity.
Overall, the goal is to create a terminal that feels calm, premium and culturally rooted while staying extremely practical for a 24/7 airport environment.
Q. What are the biggest challenges in maintaining indoor ‘living walls’ within a climate-controlled airport environment?
A. Strong, directional HVAC airflows often disrupt the stable microclimate required for healthy growth, while inconsistent natural light inside terminal spaces necessitates specialized horticultural lighting to meet plant PAR requirements. Water management is equally critical, as precision irrigation must prevent any leakage that could affect electrical systems, cause slip hazards, or contribute to mold formation issues. Pest and disease control remains difficult in high traffic zones where chemical options are restricted, and the structural design of living walls demands reliable load-bearing assessments, waterproof membranes, and corrosion resistant fixtures.
Q. How do you select plant species that thrive in an airport’s unique microclimate (high CO2, constant AC, and artificial light)?
A. Selecting plant species for an airport environment involves choosing plants that can tolerate low natural light, constant air conditioning, elevated indoor CO₂ levels, and reduced humidity. Species must be naturally adapted to shade and able to photosynthesize efficiently under artificial lighting, while also possessing waxy or thick leaves that prevent moisture loss in dry HVAC conditions. Plants should also thrive in stable, uniform temperatures without day–night variation, remain resilient against pests due to restricted pesticide use, and be compatible with hydroponic or felt based living wall systems.
Q. What role does landscaping play in reducing the ‘travel stress’ of passengers navigating through the airport?
A. It eases passenger travel stress by creating a calmer, more biophilic environment within the terminal. The introduction of greenery, whether through indoor planters, living walls, or landscaped waiting areas, helps counter the sensory overload of bright lights, crowds, and constant announcements.
In a city like Lucknow, where the cultural landscape is known for its gardens and natural heritage, thoughtfully integrated planting also creates a familiar sense of place, helping passengers feel grounded and less anxious.
“In the rush of departures and arrivals, a touch of green can quietly slow the heart. Through thoughtful landscaping, airports are transforming from transit points into calming spaces that help travellers breathe easier. ” — Divya Verma
Q.How do you ensure that indoor plants don’t introduce pests, soil odours, or allergens into the sterile terminal environment?
A. This requires a tightly controlled horticultural protocol, starting with the use of soilless substrates such as cocopeat, perlite, or hydroponic felt that eliminate organic decay and prevent soil odours. All plants must undergo pre‑installation quarantine, where they are inspected, cleaned, and treated with non‑chemical, airport‑safe pest‑management methods to ensure they are completely pest‑free before entering the terminal.
Q. What water-recycling techniques or greywater systems do you use to keep the gardens lush without wasting resources?
A. Airports often adopt efficient irrigation practices supported by recycled water systems. Treated greywater from handwash basins or RO reject lines is passed through multi‑stage filtration—typically sand, carbon, and UV treatment—to ensure it is safe and odour‑free before being used for irrigation.
Q. How do you manage dust accumulation on large-leaf indoor plants to keep them looking pristine and clean?
A. Maintenance teams follow a routine leaf‑cleaning and dust‑management protocol that suits the high‑traffic, dust‑prone conditions of the region. Leaves are wiped regularly with microfiber cloths and purified water to remove surface dust without leaving streaks, while monthly cleaning cycles use mild, plant‑safe anti‑dust solutions that slow down future buildup.
Q. Are you moving toward organic fertilizers and bio-pest control to align with Green Airport certifications?
A. Yes. The landscaping team prioritizes the use of organic compost, vermicompost, seaweed extracts, and slow‑release organic nutrients to maintain plant health without introducing chemical residues into the terminal environment. For pest control, the airport relies on biological and eco‑friendly methods such as neem‑based formulations, sticky traps, beneficial microbes, and regular plant hygiene practices, which help manage pests safely in a passenger‑dense space where chemical sprays are restricted.
Q. How do you coordinate landscaping shifts so that they don’t interfere with passenger flow or cleaning schedules?
A. Most gardening tasks such as pruning, leaf cleaning, planter maintenance, and irrigation checks are scheduled during non‑peak hours or late‑night/early‑morning windows when footfall is lowest. The landscaping team works closely with terminal operations and housekeeping supervisors to map out ‘green zones’ and agree on time slots that avoid busy check‑in periods, security queues, and flight banks. Tasks that require ladders, trolleys, or equipment are carried out only during approved operational windows, while lighter touchups are performed quickly between passenger pulses to keep areas looking neat without causing obstruction.
Q. What measures are taken to prevent landscaping from attracting birds that pose a risk of strikes?
A. Planting plans avoid fruit‑bearing, seed‑dropping, or nectar‑rich species, which naturally draw birds, and instead use non‑palatable, ornamental foliage suited to the climate. Standing water is strictly eliminated through well‑graded surfaces, covered drains, drip‑irrigation systems, and routine inspections that prevent puddling after rain or maintenance.
Regular pruning removes dense canopies or potential nesting sites, and all organic waste is cleared immediately so it doesn’t attract insects or scavengers.
Q. How much of your irrigation system is automated or controlled by smart IoT sensors today?
A. The entire irrigation network operates through sensors and intelligent controls, significantly reducing manual intervention and optimizing water usage. This system not only minimizes manpower and maintenance costs but also ensures efficient, need-based watering, helping us move strongly toward our Net Zero Waste goals for 2030.
Q. How do you manage the carbon footprint of your landscaping operations across multiple Adani airport sites?
A. It is done through smart IoT‑based irrigation systems, the use of native and drought‑tolerant plant species, and a shift toward electric landscaping equipment. Centralized composting of green waste, reuse of treated wastewater, and rainwater harvesting further reduce resource consumption.
Q. What is the most difficult outdoor zone to maintain: Roadside kerbs or the areas near the runways?
A. It is the area near the runways due to strict safety regulations, limited access windows, and the need to ensure zero wildlife attraction risks. Maintenance activities must be carefully coordinated with air-side operations, requiring high‑precision planning and specialized training for staff. While roadside kerbs also demand regular upkeep, they are comparatively easier to access and manage, making airside and runway‑adjacent landscapes significantly more complex and sensitive to maintain.
Q. How do you source your plants?
A. Each airport maintains a dedicated in‑house nursery for propagating essential species, ensuring consistent quality, quicker replacements, and better adaptation to local climate conditions. For large‑volume requirements or specialized plant varieties, we collaborate with trusted regional nurseries and certified growers, ensuring that all plant material meets our sustainability, biodiversity, and biosecurity standards.
Q. What is the next big trend in Indian airport landscaping that you are currently preparing for?
A. The emerging trend in Indian airport landscaping is a strong move toward climate‑responsive, technology‑enabled green infrastructure. We are gearing up for landscapes that incorporate AI- and IoT‑driven environmental monitoring, nature‑positive biodiversity zones, and carbon‑neutral design principles. Airports are increasingly developing multifunctional green spaces that enhance stormwater management, reduce heat‑island effects, and provide passive cooling.