What was once a dumping ground outside a home in Ranchi’s Harmu housing colony has been transformed into a vibrant garden, thanks to the efforts of teacher Manoj Ranjan. Living in a space-constrained urban environment, Manoj turned his frustration at local littering into a green initiative that now boasts over 200 plant varieties.
“Back in my village, I used to plant trees with my father. When we moved to Ranchi, there was limited space, but I noticed people dumping garbage outside our home. That inspired me to start this garden,” Manoj shared.
To safeguard the plants from being plucked or stolen, he creatively used recycled objects such as old oil cans, tires, and helmets as planters. The garden thrives in a compact 10 ft by 4 ft patch, featuring seasonal flowers and ornamental plants chosen to survive in partial shade.
The garden is a family effort, with his daughters Ananya and Manisha helping to decorate the space with colourful bricks and creatively recycled pots. Manoj’s initiative has inspired neighbours, leading to a wave of roadside gardens across the community.
Today, the garden has become a local attraction, with passersby stopping to admire the greenery and take selfies. Manoj’s project highlights how urban spaces, even small ones, can be transformed into lush, eco-friendly areas, encouraging citizens to take part in beautifying their surroundings.