Abrar Nabi
Srinagar, Jun 5: In a first-of-its-kind waste-to-beauty initiative, the famous Polo Ground Park in the heart of Srinagar is all set to reopen as a ‘Wonder Garden’ – crafted entirely from discarded materials.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) Director of Floriculture, Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom, said the department has repurposed garden trash and office scrap to create over 35 decorative installations without purchasing a single new item from the market.
“We have not named it yet, but in our office language, we call it Wonder Garden. Nothing has been purchased from the market. Everything is reused from our gardens and offices,” Masoom said.
She said a train made from fallen wood, planters from old tyres, flower vases from discarded electric kettles, and even figures of a spider and a caterpillar have been set up to attract children. Old poles from the 1980s, unused wheelbarrows, and a discarded tractor have also been given a fresh lease of life.
“People should get something different. The idea is that trash should not be collected but reused,” the Director added.
The garden is expected to be thrown open to the public in July or early August.
In related developments, Director Masoom said the popular Chrysanthemum Garden – opened as a theme garden last year – will welcome visitors again in October after a significant expansion. She also noted that the historic Badamwari garden has been developed into an all-season destination, with a 50-canal lavender patch drawing heavy footfall.
“Even though it is the first year, we did not expect such a nice bloom, but God has blessed,” the director further said. (KNS)
