SRINAGAR: In a first-of-its-kind waste-to-beauty initiative, the iconic Polo Ground Park in Srinagar is set to reopen as a ‘Wonder Garden’, featuring decorative installations created entirely from recycled garden and office waste.
Director Floriculture Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom, said the department has transformed discarded materials into more than 35 artistic installations without purchasing any new items from the market.
“We have not named it officially yet, but within the department we call it Wonder Garden. Nothing has been purchased from the market. Everything has been reused from our gardens and offices,” Masoom said.
Among the attractions are a train made from fallen wood, planters fashioned from old tyres, flower vases created from discarded electric kettles, and sculptures of a spider and a caterpillar designed to appeal to children.
The department has also repurposed old poles dating back to the 1980s, unused wheelbarrows and a discarded tractor, giving them a new lease of life as part of the garden’s displays.
“People should experience something different. The idea is that waste should not simply be collected but reused,” she said.
The garden is expected to be opened to the public in July or early August.
Masoom also said the Chrysanthemum Garden, introduced as a theme garden last year, will reopen to visitors in October after undergoing significant expansion. She added that the historic Badamwari garden has been developed into an all-season destination, with its 50-canal lavender patch attracting a large number of visitors.
“Even though it is the first year, we did not expect such a beautiful bloom, but God has blessed us,” she said. (KNS)
