Srinagar is preparing to add a distinctive new chapter to its rich tourism landscape with the opening of Kashmir Valley’s first-ever Wonder Garden. Located in the heart of the city, this innovative attraction has been developed by the Floriculture Department of Jammu and Kashmir and stands as a practical demonstration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The project seeks to show how materials long considered waste or left unused can be imaginatively repurposed into appealing and functional public spaces that both delight visitors and promote environmental responsibility.
What might once have been regarded as scrap or surplus has been given a new lease of life, becoming an integral part of an attractive outdoor environment. The concept deliberately weaves creativity together with environmental awareness, aiming to inspire younger generations and tourists to adopt more sustainable habits in their daily lives. Mathoora Masoom, Director of Floriculture Kashmir, has been closely associated with the initiative.
The garden is scheduled to be formally inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on August 21, marking the official start of what official’s hope will become a lasting and inspiring addition to the region’s tourism offerings.
A variety of discarded and unused materials that had remained idle for years have been carefully selected, redesigned, and incorporated into the garden’s layout, according to the department. She said “As you have seen, that this is the second use of things, meaning the things that our department needs—some things are there, some equipment.
