Umptyard to Dreamscape

Two walkers transform vacant plot into butterfly park, promote biodiversity in Mangaluru

- Divya Coutinho @Mangaluru

In the heart of Mangaluru, a four-acre plot near Mangala Stadium was transformed into a lush green butterfly park by two enthusiastic morning walkers. While they aimed to promote urban biodiversity, they ended up creating a clean atmosphere for joggers and athletes in the city.

In 2017, Raviraj Shetty and MD Sreekumar, who were regular morning joggers, started working on clearing the space next to Karavali Utsav ground.

"Initially, when Sreekumar and I would go for jogging inside the stadium, he used to pick plastic waste strewn on the walking track and I would join him. Our intention was to keep the space clean," said Raviraj.