From potholes to dumping yards, people usually tend to turn a blind eye to the problems prevailing in a society. When a doctor in Bengaluru city pointed out the adverse effects of a dump yard in Domlur, the residents took the matter in their own hands.

The residents with the help of local authorities swung into action and within two years they converted the eyesore into a green lung. The park named Ajja-Ajji (grandfather-grandmother) is dedicated to senior citizens who come to the green space to take a stroll or chat with friends.

Great Initiative

The initiative for the cleanliness drive was taken by Dr. Hemant Kumar Agarwal, a paediatrician who was aware of the health hazards to people living in the vicinity of the dump yards. He knew that the BBMP used it as a garbage dump and that the dumping ground was a cesspool of diseases. He created awareness among the residents who roped in an NGO, The Ugly Indian to transform that area into an urban park.

Waste Disposal

When the dump yard was converted into a green space, there arose a big problem of waste disposal. Earlier people would just dump the garbage, but now proper rules of waste disposal like waste segregation are followed. Auto tippers collect the dry garbage whereas wet waste is converted into compost and organic waste which is used for the plants in the park. The park is well lit at night. It has become a peaceful place where people can spend their evenings without being bothered by traffic.

The Ajja –Ajji park is an excellent example of how residents and authorities can join hands to bring about significant positive changes in society.