A bus driver in Bengaluru has created a mini garden inside his vehicle to drive an important message home. Narayanappa, who works for Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has been cultivating saplings in his bus for last few years to raise awareness about the need to create an eco-friendly environment.
He has kept around 14 plants in his bus, which he drives between Kaval Bylasandraa and Yeswanthpur in the city.
Narayanappa told news agency ANI that he started the green drive around 3-4 years back so that people could understand the importance of keeping the environment green. “I have been doing it for last 3-4 yrs to create awareness about keeping the environment green.”
K’taka: A Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus driver has kept plants in the bus he drives,which plies between Kaval Bylasandraa&Yeswanthpur in city. Bus driver Narayanappa says,’Have been doing it for last 3-4 yrs to create awareness about keeping environment green.’ pic.twitter.com/4j2AUuRUor
— ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2019
In the now viral images, one can see the mobile garden consisting of several potted plants. They are placed on the dashboard and on a shelf behind his seat. We can also see creepers growing inside the bus.
Narayanappa, who has been driving buses for last 27 years, found his inspiration in his wife and kids who maintain a garden at his home.
“In our house, my wife and children make new additions to our little garden every now and then. It was they who inspired me to build a mini garden inside the bus. With this move, I want to spread the word about keeping the environment green and healthy. If this small move of mine even inspires one of my daily passengers, it will mean a lot,” he told the news agency
His efforts have been recognised by BMTC and even lauded by passengers
Nature is not a place to visit. It is our home.
Mr. Narayanappa Working has Driver Token No. 8414 at BMTC depot 6 Indiranagar has shown his love towards mother Nature and creating a Eco-friendly environment while on duty by cultivating saplings in his bus
— BMTC (@BMTC_BENGALURU) April 12, 2019
Many on social media lauded Narayanappa for his unusual yet noble initiative.
Rarely seen people who loves enviroment in such extent otherwise people just busy in career, money, tour n trips, drinks parties no time for env.
— VKS (@prasn_ven) May 5, 2019
Good example of keeping environment green
— arora_ (@arorafbd) May 5, 2019
When each citizen does his bit we will see a visible change. Congratulations!!
— Ratna Prabha (@Ratnaprabha_IAS) May 5, 2019
Sometimes small action leads to big impact. Hats off to this Man !!
— Amit Kumar __ (@amit_k28) May 5, 2019
However, not all were impressed.
Primary purpose of Bus is to move around safely.
Pots n plants will distract n become flying missiles in case of accidents n sudden braking.— Super Zero (@superzero_) May 6, 2019
Safety Hazard! Although appreciate the intent, bus is not the right place
— Varun Desai (@vsdesai92) May 5, 2019
Won’t it increase the bus load and cause more burning of fuel, totally defeating the purpose?
It is good for awareness ,but a more environmental friendly way would have been more appropriate— Aditya Singh (@adityasingh1992) May 5, 2019
A similar initiative was undertaken by an auto driver in Kolkata, who set up a garden on top of his auto. This was not only to beat the heat during the summers, but also to raise awareness about environment.
