Plant Vetiver, root out pollution, soil erosion

We will support vetiver plantation on the banks of certain areas in Kochi which is the answer to water pollution and soil erosion. T Damu, vice-president, Indian Hotels Company, shares with City Express his views on the possible initiatives of the Tata Group at the interactive session held in connection with the Green Kochi campaign launch.Growing vetiver on the banks of canals can help clean the water as vetiver, the root of which grows 18-feet downwards, has the power to eliminate impurities in the water. It can help prevent soil erosion too. Vetiver is good for mosquito eradication and pest control. It can be grown on the banks of canals and  the rock walls on the beaches can be replaced by vetiver.If the authorities concerned conduct studies and identify areas where vetiver planting is required and ensure that its maintenance will be taken up, we will help them with the planting, know-how and guidance on nurturing and maintenance.   “We will consult our research and development centre in Munnar and select the vetiver that is congenial to the soil and climate of Kochi.” Moreover the authorities here can find out what kind of vetiver is ideal for saline areas if it is to be planted on beaches.Our people will help plant vetiver in the earmarked stretches after conducting studies. Further steps to nurture the plants should be ensured. In Thailand, vetiver is being planted on large stretches to counter pollution and soil erosion. Vetiver roots are known for their medicinal value. The other plants that are ideal for greening the city are neem and tamarind, both of which have high medic inal value. Neem is a medicine and helps a great deal in cleansing the air. Neem leaves have the property to purify air and planting neem can help solve air pollution to a great extent. Neem is now being used as a pesticide too.  Neem is grown abundantly on many stretches of North India. Tamarind catches your attention when you travel across Tamil Nadu. They dot the roads and offer a lot of shade and its fruits can fetch revenue.