Delhi University (DU) has inaugurated what it describes as India’s first Carbon Garden at its Department of Botany, an initiative aimed at addressing air and soil pollution while promoting biodiversity in an urban environment. The garden was inaugurated by DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh on Thursday, with the university encouraging similar initiatives across its departments and colleges.

The Carbon Garden has been developed across around 2,000 square feet of land in front of the Botany Department. It contains around 50 species of plants, including herbs, shrubs and trees, and has been designed as a mini biodiversity park. The university said the space brings together diverse forms of plant and microbial life as part of its broader environmental objectives.

The garden includes algae, fungi and bacteria, along with Spirulina, while microorganisms found on tree bark can contribute to breaking down certain gases and pollutants. According to DU, the initiative seeks to harness the natural capabilities of plants and microorganisms to absorb carbon dioxide and some pollutants, improve soil quality and support biodiversity within a densely populated urban setting.

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Professor Singh inaugurated the garden by planting a Kalpavriksha sapling and called for similar Carbon Gardens to be established across the university. He emphasised the need for sustainable approaches to environmental challenges and highlighted the role that educational institutions can play in developing and demonstrating practical solutions to pollution and ecological degradation.

Addressing the pollution problem in Delhi, the Vice-Chancellor warned that the national capital could become the “pollution capital” if timely measures are not taken. He also noted that environmental challenges created by human activities cannot be addressed through technology alone, underlining the importance of sustainable practices and greater environmental awareness.

Singh also stressed the importance of climate-sensitive urban planning, arguing that development strategies should consider India’s environmental conditions rather than simply replicating building designs and approaches from other countries. The Carbon Garden is intended to demonstrate how smaller green spaces can contribute to biodiversity and environmental efforts while offering a model that other DU departments and colleges can consider adopting.

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