by Shoaib Nazir and Nawshaba Iqbal
SRINAGAR: At an age when most people prefer to retire into a quiet life, Abdul Ahad, 80, has instead emerged as a household name in Kashmir for his relentless contribution to the “Go Green” movement. Fondly known as “Plantation Chacha,” Ahad has planted nearly 400 chinar trees across the Valley, nurtures 80 saplings in a small nursery at his home, and created history by cultivating nadru, the lotus stem, on land for the first time.
A Revolutionary Experiment
Traditionally, nadru is harvested from water bodies such as Dal Lake, Wular, and Anchar. But Ahad, driven by a rare sense of purpose, risked one kanal of his paddy land to experiment with the crop. “It was God’s revelation,” Ahad recalled. “I kept thinking if nadru only requires four to five feet of water, then why can’t we cultivate it in land where paddy grows?”
Three years ago, he sourced 70 to 80 seedlings from Palhalan, Baramulla, and carefully transplanted them into his field. The experiment yielded over 800 kilograms of nadru. His first harvest fetched him Rs 1.5 lakh, a testament to its quality and the uniqueness of his endeavour. Officials, NGOs, and ordinary citizens alike have praised his achievement.
“I have influenced many people to try this cultivation,” Ahad said. “It does not demand backbreaking work or endless sweat, and farmers are realising it can become a sustainable source of income alongside traditional crops.”
A Lifelong Mission
Ahad’s story extends beyond nadru. Over the decades, he has become a symbol of conservation and plantation drives in Kashmir. Alongside chinars, he has planted deodar, kiyru, and other indigenous species, believing trees to be the Valley’s true guardians. “I keep the plantation process as a profession without money, that is Sadq-e-Jariya,” he said. “Plantation is my worship.” His wrinkled face glowed with quiet satisfaction.
A retired employee of the Animal Husbandry Department, Ahad, is remembered by colleagues as sincere and honest. “I have always been praised for my honesty,” he said. “Even after retirement, I knew my life had to be invested in the betterment of society.”
His extraordinary efforts earned appreciation certificates from government bodies and social welfare organisations. The title of “Plantation Chacha” was bestowed upon him by locals inspired by his selfless mission. “At 80, when most people feel helpless and tired, I feel blessed that I can still serve my people and environment,” Ahad said.
A Legacy of Green
Despite his age, Ahad works daily in his nursery and field, supported by locals and admirers across Kashmir. “I want the end of my life to be happy, dedicated to people, to nature, and to God,” he said softly.
For a land known for its water-grown nadru and chinar-lined boulevards, Abdul Ahad has become a bridge between tradition and innovation. His green legacy will not only live in the towering chinars he planted but also in the groundbreaking idea that nadru could bloom in the soil of Kashmir.
