Bengaluru Residents Turn Dump Yard Into Green Park For Senior Citizens In 2 Yrs

While walking on the road, you may have come across dumping yards which smell so bad that it gets on your nerves. Dumping grounds are the source of harmful gases, groundwater pollution, and is a breeding ground for bacteria. It makes you think, why can’t there be proper waste disposal options?

Speaking of dumping yards, one of such grounds in Domlur, Bengaluru, has been transformed into a serene park for senior citizens, reports The New Indian Express.

According to the report, the cleanliness drive was initiated by a paediatrician named Dr Hemant Kumar Agarwal. He said that 8 years ago the spot was a “cesspool of diseases” and rodents. Dogs and cows came to feed on the garbage. It was since then that he began spreading awareness among people of the neighbourhood.

Dr Agarwal joined hands with an NGO named The Ugly Indian and worked towards the cleanliness and beautification of the dumping ground. Soon, BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), which is the administrative body responsible for infrastructure in Bangalore, and Resident Welfare Association came forward to help.

In just two years, the collective effort of all the teams transformed the garbage yard into a well lit, peaceful space for senior citizens. They named it the Ajja-Ajji Park.

“The Ajja-Ajji park is one of the best examples of how residents and authorities can come together to convert a dirty trash dump into a lung space. The park is properly lit at night too,” said a representative of the NGO.

Proper waste disposal methods have also been imposed on the neighbourhood. A resident said, “We have a proper waste disposal method where the auto tippers collect garbage regularly. Organic waste and animal manure are used as compost for the plants.”

The senior residents now find a lot of peace and calm while spending time in the park. There is no noise coming from the traffic. Since the place has been well lit, people also go for night walks.

More such initiatives should be taken by citizens and administrative bodies across the country. Dumping yards and landfills are the source of severe infections. If turned into a green space, it will not just reduce pollution but will also become an enjoyable place for residents.