Evaluation of Anticipated Performance Index of some tree species for green belt development to mitigate traffic generated noise

Green belts are effective tools for mitigation of traffic generated noise. For green belt development it is necessary that plants used for green belts must be tolerant to air pollution. In this study, the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of plants commonly used for green belt establishment in Varanasi city, Uttar Pradesh, India was evaluated with the help of analysis of some biochemical parameters. On the basis of APTI and some biological and socioeconomic parameters of plants, the Anticipated Performance Index (API) of these plants was calculated. Among all the plants taken under consideration Ficus infectoria L. ranks first and is a keystone species. Mangifera indica L. and Ficus religiosa L. were classified into the ‘excellent’ category. The most suitable plant species for green belt development in urban areas were identified and recommended.