The Role of Urban Forests in Air Pollution Mitigation: Strategies for Sustainable City Planning in Hyderabad

Abstract Urban trees are essential green infrastructure for decreasing air pollution. Trees in Urban Areas contribute to essential green infrastructure of cities by absorbing gaseous pollutants, lowering particle matter (PM), and improving overall air quality. By reducing exposure to airborne pollutants, these ecosystems enhance public health, control urban microclimates by reducing the heat island effect, and aid in the sequestration of carbon. This review paper looks at how urban forests enhance air quality, assesses how well different tree species remove pollutants, and investigates urban greening initiatives used both internationally and in India. Particular attention is paid to Hyderabad, Telangana, where worries about air pollution have increased due to the city's fast industrial growth and urbanization. To evaluate the success of afforestation campaigns, species selection, and community-driven urban forestry projects, case studies from Hyderabad and other urban locations are examined. Furthermore, this study offers policy proposals for incorporating urban forests into sustainable city design while also highlighting difficulties in managing urban forests, such as land limitations, legislative gaps, and maintenance concerns. This paper emphasizes the value of evidence-based urban forestry solutions to reduce air pollution and foster ecological resilience in quickly expanding cities by combining research findings and real-world case studies.