Lucknow: What began as a fun pastime during the Covid-19 lockdown has blossomed into one of Lucknow’s most vibrant green communities.Conceived during the pandemic by railway engineer and gardening enthusiast Rahul Giri Goswami, Hariyali Adda Lucknow has grown from a social media group into a thriving movement connecting hundreds of plant lovers, gardeners and environmental enthusiasts across the city.Founded with the aim of bringing together people passionate about plants and gardening, the group has become a unique community built around sharing rather than buying. Members regularly organise picnics and meet-ups to exchange seeds, saplings and gardening supplies through a barter-like system, helping rare and indigenous plants find new homes while encouraging sustainable gardening practices.The platform also serves as a space where enthusiasts discuss plant care, share gardening tips, exchange experiences and inspire each other to embrace greener lifestyles.“Over the years, Hariyali Adda has evolved beyond online discussions. The group organises plant swap meets, seed exchange programmes and plant quizzes, creating opportunities for members to interact and learn from one another. One of its most popular activities is the quarterly plant meet-up and picnic held at Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, where participants gather not merely to exchange plants but also to share stories, experiences and friendships nurtured through a common love for nature,” Goswami told TOI.“People don’t just bring plants to these meet-ups; they bring a piece of their heart,” says Goswami. Members often exchange saplings they have lovingly nurtured in their homes, affectionately referring to them as their “green children”.The movement gains further momentum during the monsoon months of July and August, when the group organises plantation drives across Lucknow and nearby areas. Volunteers come together to plant saplings and, more importantly, ensure their long-term care and survival. The focus remains not only on increasing green cover but also on creating awareness about environmental conservation and responsible gardening.Balancing his responsibilities with Indian Railways, Goswami has remained committed to promoting environmental awareness. At a time when urban lifestyles often distance people from nature, Hariyali Adda Lucknow stands as a reminder that a small idea born during a period of isolation can grow into a community-driven movement, fostering friendships, sustainability and a deeper connection with the environment.
