CHENNAI: In a city where the hum of traffic and the glare of glass facades often overshadow the simpler realities of life, one patch of green stands out as what can rightly be called an urban jungle. Located right in the heart of Chennai, this 390-square-metre sanctuary is more than just a garden. It is a symbol of resilience and a testament to one man’s love for nature.

No one can walk past M Sreedhar’s house on Nallappa Street in Nehru Nagar in Chromepet without taking a glance or two. The house, a modest structure with a built-up area of ​​2,100 square metres, is a picturesque contrast to the verdant paradise that surrounds it. The green crusader’s journey began in 1988 when his father, V Mahadevan, bought a plot and planted the first eight trees. The small garden started with coconut, mango and jackfruit trees, all carefully selected for their adaptability and usefulness. These were not just trees, but the beginning of a dream and a vision of a greener future amidst the urban chaos.

Over the years, Sreedhar took over the baton from his father and maintained the garden with the same care. Today, his garden is a microcosm of Chennai’s native flora, with around 28 mature trees, including sturdy jackfruit trees, sweet mango trees, fragrant guavas and hardy neem trees.

Sreedhar’s commitment goes beyond personal fulfillment. As a renewable energy consultant, his days are filled with finding sustainable solutions. But his passion for trees is a calling that keeps him busy morning and night. While his professional life is focused on renewable energy, his personal commitment is to a greener Chennai.

Driven by a vision to expand his green initiative, Sreedhar started ‘Vidiyal’ (Dawn) in 2011, a community-oriented movement aimed at increasing the green canopy in his neighbourhood. He started by educating his neighbours about the importance of native trees and their ecological benefits. His enthusiasm was infectious and soon Nallappa Street became a model for urban farming.