Page 47 - CIJ Feb 2025 - Digital Edition

LANDSCAPING

Site-Specific Analysis is important

for the scope of landscape planning.
Assessing the specific conditions of a
site, including soil type, microclimate,
and existing vegetation, is crucial in
selecting appropriate plant species.”

– Aarti Barase

impactful environments while minimizing the
potential risks associated with non-native species.
A crucial element of this strategy is careful
selection, ensuring that any introduced species
are non-invasive and pose no threat to the local
ecosystem. “We have achieved this balance
through careful site analysis, shade and shadow
studies, and ongoing monitoring to manage any
unforeseen issues. For example, at Rustomjee
Crown, a 90/10 ratio of native to non-invasive
exotic plants has been employed, with the latter
often confined to isolated or seasonal beds for
controlled variation.”

Enhancing Air Quality
Landscaping offers a multitude of benefits for
air quality. Plants absorb pollutants, produce
oxygen, reduce the urban heat island effect,
increase humidity, suppress dust, and even
mitigate noise pollution. These benefits can be
leveraged through key strategies, including:
• Pollution-Absorbing Plants: Species known
for their oxygen production and pollutant
absorption, such as Ficus, Neem, and Taman
are incorporated
• Green Walls and Vertical Gardens: These
features, often integrated into podium parking
facades and other prominent locations,
maximize green cover and improve air
quality, particularly in urban settings. Rooftop
gardens further contribute to this effort
47
www.cleanindiajournal.com•Clean India Journal•FEBRUARY 2025