Floriculture Deptt creates reuse-themed public space
Nawshaba Iqbal
SRINAGAR, June 7: A waste-to-wonder garden featuring installations made from discarded tyres, fallen trees and old vehicles is coming up at Polo Ground Park here, with the Floriculture Department aiming to turn waste into a public attraction promoting sustainability and reuse.
The project, being developed by the department, aims to convert garden waste into attractive public features and create awareness about sustainable practices.
Officials said the garden is expected to be opened to the public during the first week of July.
Director Floriculture, Mathoora Masoom, said the idea emerged after the department noticed that several materials generated in gardens were being discarded after use.
“We observed that items such as old tyres, fallen trees, seed bins and wooden logs were being discarded. Instead of treating them as waste, we decided to convert them into useful and attractive installations,” she told Excelsior.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
According to Masoom, the materials have been sourced from various gardens and tourist resorts, including Nishat, Shalimar, Pahalgam and Baramulla.
Using these resources, the department has created benches, planters and a miniature train for children.
Old vehicles, including a vintage Ambassador car, a jeep and a traditional bullock cart, are being repurposed as floral displays under the project.
Masoom said the initiative is based on the concept of reuse and seeks to demonstrate how discarded items can be given a second life through creative planning.
Apart from the installations, the department is also working on introducing and conserving tree species that have become less common in public parks.
These include species such as Persian Lilac and Ginkgo Biloba, which officials hope will add to the garden’s ecological and educational value.
The structural work at the site is currently underway.
Preparations for seasonal plantations have already been completed, with winter flowers being replaced by summer blooms.
The new flowers will be incorporated into various installations and planters across the garden.
“We hope that the project will be completed within the next month and opened to the public during the first week of July,” Masoom said.
Suparna, who is associated with the project, said the initiative combines ideas from different generations and offers a new approach to public spaces.
“What people are seeing now is only the beginning. Many discarded items are being transformed into installations that can also help children learn about reuse and sustainability,” she said.
She said more features are expected to be added as the project progresses, with contributions from designers and other creative individuals.
Suparna expressed hope that the garden would emerge as a distinct public space while encouraging people to view waste as a valuable resource rather than something to be discarded.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
