As cities expand rapidly with growing urbanisation and deforestation, green spaces are slowly disappearing from everyday life. High temperatures, poor air quality, and heat waves are increasingly prevalent due to increased construction and loss of tree cover in many parts of the world. However, a few individuals have found ways to make a difference and preserve nature within their communities.
How Venkataraman Turned His Home Terrace into a Mini Rainforest
Venkataraman, a retired mechanical engineer from Bengaluru, transformed his home terrace into a mini rainforest. According to an article in The Better India, the green terrace has become a sanctuary of nature amidst a bustling metropolitan city. Covering approximately 600 square feet, the garden atop the five-storey building is crafted to resemble the forests of the Western Ghats. Currently, over 100 different types of plants thrive, along with numerous birds, butterflies, and bees that inhabit this beautiful garden.
Videos shared by The Better India and fellow mechanical engineer Gurunandan Rao M showcase the terrace filled with fruit-bearing trees and useful plants. The garden includes cherries, dragon fruits, red bananas, avocados, citrons, curry leaves, flat beans, and even coffee seeds. The vibrant greenery attracts more than 17 species of birds and also supports stingless bees and butterflies.
The Beginning of the Project
It is said that Venkataraman initiated the project by planting some potted plants in honor of his mother. His passion for gardening continued to grow, and soon he transformed the entire terrace into a green, multi-level ecosystem. The lower two levels of the terrace are filled with dense plantation, whereas the top level features a Shiva temple along with a sophisticated water distribution and recycling system for the plants. Even with heavy rains, thunderstorms, and hailstorms in Bengaluru, the terrace garden has not suffered much damage. It is reported that Venkataraman mentioned in an interview that the drumstick tree was responsible for holding the roots of other plants tightly together.
Environmental Benefits
In addition to promoting biodiversity, the rooftop forest helps reduce the temperature in its surroundings by at least 3 to 4 degrees Celsius during the summer months. Furthermore, there is almost a 10% improvement in air quality around the house due to the abundant greenery. Venkataraman's one-of-a-kind venture serves as a reminder that individual initiatives can make significant contributions towards environmental conservation. His terrace rainforest is indeed an inspiration for turning urban areas into green spaces, even within a congested metro city.
