India, June 11 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun testing grass plantations in a patch in the Shivaji park after the red soil displacement led to concerns of air pollution and health issues among players and senior citizens on their evening walks. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had directed the civic body to complete the process before monsoon.

A BMC appointed contractor began the plantation work on a 200 sq m area at the Nana Nani Park where five species of grass will be tested to check whether they are sustainable and can hold the red soil in place.

In February, the MPCB had directed the BMC to complete the work before the monsoon within a month. Vinayak Vispute, assistant commissioner of G North...