brand logo

Special trees to be planted along New Kelani Bridge

29 Aug 2021

  • Construction in final stage
Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday (29) instructed officials to plant heat-tolerant tree species that could absorb particulate matter, carbon, and dust, along the New Kelani Bridge and connecting roads, including the Kelanitissa circular and the road to the bridge from the Orugodawatta junction, according to a media release. Minister Fernando had also instructed the Project Director to lay an underground pipe system to be set up to provide water to these trees. Officials of the Department of National Botanical Gardens had recommended that specific trees should be selected for planting around the roadway, due to the heavy amount of traffic it is likely to experience. They had noted that the polluted air contains particles, odours, and harmful gasses like nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and ammonia, which settle on the leaves of trees and plants. The leaves and plant surfaces absorb these pollutants through their stomata (pores), filtering these harmful substances from the air. Trees also trap heat and reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, they had pointed out to the Minister. The meeting was held via Zoom technology to discuss the finalisation of the work on the New Kelani Bridge, which is to be commissioned for public use by the end of September. Among those present at the meeting were Ministry Secretary  R.W.R. Pemasiri, Road Development Authority Chairman Chaminda Ataluwage, and Project Director Chief Engineer Darshika Jayasekera.  


More News..