16-Year-Old Revives Green Space in Malad, Mumbai

Zidaan Castellino, a 16-year-old environmentalist, has successfully transformed a neglected half-acre garden in Malad, Mumbai, into a vibrant green space. This initiative took place on August 24, coinciding with his birthday, and involved over 220 volunteers from various organizations and local housing federations. The garden, which had become a dumping site filled with plastic waste and overgrown with wild grass, was revitalized through collective efforts to clean and plant saplings. Zidaan's personal connection to the garden, where he spent his childhood, motivated him to take action after witnessing its decline. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to restore the area, he felt a strong responsibility to initiate change. Volunteers of all ages participated, showcasing a community spirit aimed at enhancing the local environment. The project not only focused on beautifying the space but also aimed to increase the green cover in suburban Mumbai, which Zidaan believes is essential for combating the concrete jungle mentality. He emphasized the need for an eco-conscious mindset in the city, advocating for urban greening as a solution to environmental degradation. Through this initiative, Zidaan has already planted around 5,000 trees in the past two years and has previously worked on reviving other green spaces in Malad. His efforts highlight the importance of youth involvement in environmental conservation and the potential for community-driven projects to make a significant impact on local ecosystems.