In the heart of Srinagar, the familiar Polo Ground Park is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Reimagined as a “Wonder Garden,” the public space is being filled with colourful installations created entirely from discarded office and garden waste, proving that beauty can emerge from what was once destined for the scrap heap.

From a life-sized wooden train crafted out of fallen trees to vibrant planters made from old tyres, abandoned wheelbarrows turned into ornamental displays and even a discarded tractor reborn as public art, every corner of the park tells a story of imagination and reuse. 

The Floriculture Department says not a single item was purchased for the makeover, making it a true zero-budget sustainability initiative.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Wonder Garden is designed to inspire. Situated beside Srinagar’s bustling Polo View High Street, the park invites visitors—especially children—to see waste not as rubbish but as a resource. It is a reminder that small acts of creativity can breathe new life into forgotten objects while encouraging a culture of recycling, environmental stewardship and responsible urban living.

About the Author

Aasif Bashir is a visual journalist with a postgraduate degree in convergent journalism. He works at the intersection of imagery and narrative.