Significant amount of residual lead was present in the leaves of old plants collected from both the sides of NH-5 at Keshpur ghat area and Maa Narayani Temple connecting junction area. Significant decrease in pigment content was recorded in plant leaves situated on the roadsides when compared to plants collected from deep inside the forest area far away from freeways/highways. The impact was due to lead availability in air from automobile exhausts and surface absorption of lead by plants from polluted air. The effect of lead nitrate was tested on ragi seeds in petriplate culture. The impact of lead on seed germination and seedling establishment was severe in high concentrations and at low concentration no stimulation was recorded. Lead affected the root and shoot length and weight of the seedlings when compared to control plants. Significant depletion in pigment content was recorded in lead exposed seedlings when compared to control seedlings indicating toxic nature of lead as lead nitrate.