What simple planting or green elements (trees in pots, vertical gardens) have you added to a sidewalk or plaza and what difference did you see?

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Let us know which plants or planters you used, where you placed them, and how they changed the look, feel or foot traffic.

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As Indian cities grow rapidly, reimagining sidewalks and plazas with simple, sustainable green elements has become essential. From moss-filled pavement cracks to community-managed planter walls, such interventions not only beautify urban spaces but also support climate resilience, public health, and civic engagement—especially when aligned with national urban renewal schemes.

1. MIYAWAKI-style Microforests in Urban Corners (e.g., Pune, Chennai)
What was done: Miyawaki forests of dense native species (neem, jamun, amla, peepal) were planted in tiny plots near schools, sidewalks, and housing society corners.

The Mahakumbh Miyawaki:
Around 56,000 sq. meters of Dense Forests created in Prayagraj in last two years using Miyawaki Technique

Garbage dumps transformed into lush green forests, aiding environmental conservation, as part of Mahakumbh 2025
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Impact:

• Created green lungs in congested areas.
• Urban Heat Island Effect Mitigation
• Within 2–3 years, they attracted birds and pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
• Inspired citizen-led planting drives in adjacent sidewalks and traffic islands.

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2.LIVING WALLS OR VERTICAL GREENERY SYSTEMS

.India: Mumbai – Sion Railway Station Vertical Gardens

What was done: Vertical green walls using recycled bottles and crates were installed on station pillars and walls using creepers like money plant, philodendron, and ferns.

Technique: Modular vertical garden panels irrigated through drip systems.

Impact:

• Cooled down harsh concrete spaces.
• Encouraged similar initiatives in other parts of the city.
• Reduced dust and noise levels by acting as a soft barrier.

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https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/horticulture/horti_Landscaping_vertical gardening.html

3. CRACK GARDENING
In India, an initiative for crack gardening was taken in Church Street in Bengaluru, where porous paving and rain-friendly surfaces allowed native species like Tridax procumbens, Portulaca oleracea, and small ferns to thrive without much intervention. These hardy plants were not planted traditionally but allowed to self-seed or were lightly scattered along the pavement margins. Over time, they softened the urban landscape, created cooler microclimates, and encouraged passersby to pause, observe, and engage with the environment in unexpected ways.

4. EDIBLE SIDEWALK BORDERS IN AUROVILLE( Tamilnadu)
In Auroville, Tamil Nadu, edible borders have been developed along footpaths near the Visitor’s Centre and Solar Kitchen. Residents grow Tulsi, Amaranthus, mint, and curry leaves in narrow soil strips, promoting food sustainability and encouraging interaction with nature. Passersby could pluck herbs; encouraged conversations on food sustainability and urban agriculture

5. HANGING POTS OF GOA
Panaji’s Latin Quarter, Fontainhas, integrates heritage and greenery through decorative hanging pots filled with Pothos and Bougainvillea, adding charm and cooling shade to narrow alleys.

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6. THE BAMBOO
Guwahati uses locally crafted bamboo screens with potted Areca palms and Syngonium in public waiting areas, not only greening bus bays but also promoting regional craftsmanship.

7.UPCYCLED POTS/ FLOWER BEDS
Pune has seen an artistic approach where old tires are painted and repurposed into ground-level flower beds in residential areas like Kothrud and Erandwane. These contain Petunias, Marigold, and Coleus, enhancing curb appeal while also subtly calming traffic.

8. GREENS AND URBAN ART
In Delhi, around Lodhi Colony, the NGO St+art India Foundation combined wall art with vertical climbers like Money Plant and Clerodendrum, integrating culture and green infrastructure in a high-density area.

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9. SHADES OF GREEN TO HERITAGE
Lucknow has revived historical stepwells and pathways near Imambaras by lining them with medicinal plants like Ashwagandha, Lemongrass, and Brahmi, linking wellness with green public space.

10. SMART AND LUSH
Kohima, under the Smart Cities Mission, has initiated community plant-sharing walls, where residents contribute cuttings and saplings like Succulents, Snake Plants, and Coleus into shared planters along steps and plazas, creating a collective sense of care.

Common Design Tips for Sidewalk or Plaza Greening:

• Use native, hardy species for low maintenance and high survival.(Neem, peepal)
• Integrate drip irrigation or greywater reuse systems.( Delhi's bridges)
• Modular planters allow flexibility in narrow or busy sidewalks.
• Vertical gardens work well in space-starved zones(Under bridges)
• Street tree pits (with grates) can host large shade trees without obstructing walking paths

With over 43% of India’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2035, greening public spaces is critical. The aforementioned initiatives demonstrate how low-cost, local solutions can enhance urban liveability. Under the Smart Cities Mission (covering 100 cities) and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), cities are incorporating nature-based solutions for climate resilience and citizen well-being. Combined with community participation and Swachh Bharat’s focus on clean, healthy spaces, these green elements align with SDG 11, making Indian cities more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to local ecology.