HMT-made tractor, ‘70s jeep among planters at Srinagar's first-ever 'waste-to-wonder' garden

On Friday, August 21, 2026, Srinagar witnessed the inauguration of its first-ever "waste-to-wonder" garden, a unique initiative that transformed discarded objects into functional and aesthetic elements within a lush green space. Located in the heart of the Polo View area, the garden serves as a much-needed respite for residents of the surrounding densely populated neighborhoods of Barbar Shah and Maisuma. Among the notable features of the garden are a 1970s HMT Ltd tractor, an old jeep from the Jammu and Kashmir Garages Department, and a pre-1970 ticket counter once used at the famed Chashme Shahi Garden, all repurposed as planters. Masooma Banoo, Director of Floriculture in Kashmir, explained that the garden was designed with a clear focus on sustainability and community engagement. She noted that the installations were all donated, emphasizing the project’s commitment to using recycled and reclaimed materials. “We tried to use abandoned vehicles like jeeps, wooden ticket posts and tongas from the pre-70s as installations in the garden,” she said. “It’s our bid to have a waste-to-wonder theme garden in Srinagar.” The garden’s lighting system runs entirely on solar power, marking it as one of the few spaces in the region with zero carbon emissions. This eco-friendly approach aligns with broader environmental goals, including reducing waste and promoting public awareness about sustainable practices. The garden also introduced an innovative program called “Take a plant and make a promise,” wherein free plants such as succulents, caladiums, and hanging varieties are distributed to locals with the encouragement to care for them at home. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the inauguration and highlighted the significance of the initiative. He stated that the garden was intended to promote recycling, reuse, and greater public awareness regarding plastic waste. “The message of the garden was to encourage responsible reuse and prevent plastic waste from ending up in drains,” he added. The garden is part of a larger effort to create a thematic model landscape rooted in the principles of Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse (RRR). Approximately 90% of the materials used in constructing the garden were sourced through recycling and refurbishment, showcasing a commitment to resource efficiency and sustainability. Officials emphasized that the design ensures continuous blooming throughout the season, from spring to late autumn, with careful planning of plant selection and bloom succession to maintain visual appeal year-round. With over 271 gardens in the state, Srinagar alone hosts nearly 93 of these green spaces. The new garden adds a distinctive element to this collection, blending historical artifacts with modern ecological consciousness. Local authorities expressed their hope that the garden will become a popular destination for both leisure and education, particularly for women and children, who are encouraged to engage with the installations and learn about the diverse flora of Kashmir. Residents and visitors alike can expect the garden to evolve further, with opportunities for community contributions. Ms. Banoo mentioned that the team is open to incorporating additional installations donated by locals, ensuring the garden remains a dynamic and inclusive space. As the garden continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the potential of creative reuse and environmental stewardship in urban settings.