“We Have Turned Trash into an Attraction While Giving a Message of Reuse and Sustainability,” Says Director Floriculture Kashmir, Mathoora Masoom
Srinagar, June 6 In a unique blend of creativity, sustainability and Kashmiri heritage, the Floriculture Department Kashmir has transformed discarded materials into decorative installations at a popular public park in the heart of Srinagar, near Polo View, creating a new attraction for tourists and locals alike while promoting the message of environmental conservation and reuse.
The park now features a variety of innovative installations, including a wooden train crafted from tree branches where flowers will be grown, discarded cars converted into decorative planters, creatively designed tyre structures, repurposed water drums and several other waste materials that have been artistically transformed to enhance the beauty of the park.
The initiative aims to demonstrate how discarded items can be reused in an aesthetically appealing and environmentally responsible manner.
Speaking to the news agency JKNS, Director Floriculture Kashmir Mathoora Masoom said the concept was aimed at converting waste into a visual attraction while spreading awareness about sustainable practices.
“We have collected old and discarded material lying in our gardens, converted it into decorative planters and given it new life. The objective is not only to beautify the park but also to send a strong message that waste can be reused creatively instead of being discarded,” she said.
She said the park attracts a large number of visitors every day, including tourists, families, children and morning walkers, making it an ideal location for showcasing innovative environmental practices.
According to Masoom, several installations have been designed around Kashmiri culture and heritage to enhance the experience for visitors.
“We have incorporated Kashmir-centric elements such as the traditional Kashmiri Daan, decorative Waghu-inspired structures, old vehicles redesigned as planters and even a large Chinar-themed installation. These elements reflect Kashmir’s identity while adding beauty to the park,” she said.
She added that flowers and ornamental plants will be planted in the installations to further enhance the aesthetics of the garden.
“The idea is to make the space more attractive while encouraging people to think about how unused items in their homes can be creatively repurposed. It is both an environmental and educational initiative,” she said.
Masoom expressed hope that the initiative would inspire citizens to adopt recycling and reuse practices while providing an additional attraction for visitors exploring Srinagar.
She said the project demonstrates how sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand in making public spaces greener, cleaner and more engaging for the community. (JKNS)
