'VIDIYAL' OF A GREENER CITY

Apart from building a sanctuary around his home, M Sreedhar of Chromepet initiated a movement to spread green canopy in his neighbourhood

- S KUMARESAN

Na city where the hum of traffic and the gleam of glass facades often overshadow the simpler realities of life, there stands out a green patch, which can rightly be called an urban jungle. Located right in the heart of Chennai, this 4,200-square-foot sanctuary is more than just a garden. It's a symbol of resilience and a testament to one man's love for nature.

No one can pass by M Sreedhar's house on Nallappa Street in Nehru Nagar of Chromepet without throwing a glance or maybe two. The residence, a modest structure with a built-up area of 2,100 square feet, is a quaint juxtaposition to the verdant paradise that surrounds it. The green crusader's journey began in 1988 when his father, V Mahadevan, bought a plot of land and planted the initial eight trees. The small garden started with coconut, mango, and jackfruit trees, each carefully chosen for their adaptability and utility. These were not mere trees but the start of a dream and a vision of a greener future amidst the urban chaos.