Bhopal Becomes First Indian City to Deploy Solar-Powered ‘Algae Trees’ to Fight Air Pollution
Bhopal became the first Indian city to install solar-powered “Algae Trees” — microalgae-based units that absorb carbon dioxide and reduce PM 2.5 — under its Smart City project.
Bhopal has become the first city in India to deploy solar-powered “Algae Trees” to fight urban air pollution. The units were installed under the Bhopal Smart City project.
An “Algae Tree” is a biotechnology-based system that uses living microalgae to clean the air. The microalgae absorb carbon dioxide, help reduce harmful PM 2.5 particles, and release oxygen. Each unit works like an outdoor photo-bioreactor and is powered by built-in solar panels, which allows it to run on its own without a separate electricity connection.
The project shows how green technology and renewable energy can be combined to manage air quality in crowded city areas. PM 2.5 refers to very fine particles that are small enough to enter the lungs and harm health, so reducing them is an important public-health goal.
For exam aspirants, the key facts are the city (Bhopal), the technology (microalgae-based “Algae Trees”), the use of solar power, and that they target carbon dioxide and PM 2.5.
Key Points to Remember
- Bhopal is the first Indian city to deploy solar-powered “Algae Trees”
- Installed under the Bhopal Smart City project
- Use living microalgae to absorb CO2 and reduce PM 2.5 particles
- Each unit is an outdoor photo-bioreactor powered by solar panels
- PM 2.5 = very fine particles harmful to health
Exam Relevance
Relevant for UPSC Prelims (Environment & Ecology / Science & Technology) and SSC CGL (General Awareness).
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