Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: 'Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.' This anonymous quote comes to mind after meeting an auto-rickshaw owner in Bhubaneswar who has converted his vehicle into a mini/mobile-garden.

Sujit Diggal has installed pots of several plants to give a different and fresh look to his auto-rickshaw. Not only plants, he has also installed an aquarium and a small cage with a pair of birds inside his auto-rickshaw.

For Diggal, who hails from Phulbani in Kandhamal district, his auto-rickshaw is his source of livelihood by day and by night it turns into his home. It was last Christmas when Diggal decided to do something unique after he was unable to celebrate the festival with his family.

“I had almost become lonely and later planted a small plant inside the auto-rickshaw. It gave me immense satisfaction and also some passengers encouraged me to plant more,” said Diggal.

Though Diggal’s overall business has been adversely affected due to COVID-19 pandemic, he is duly following the government guidelines by keeping hand sanitizer for passengers. Moreover, only passengers with masks are allowed to travel in his auto.

“My idea is to ensure that people plant more trees so that our environment is protected. A lot of passengers also feel happy when they see a lot of plants and animals inside the auto. It makes their short journey a pleasurable experience,” Diggal added.

Also Read: Surat Returnee Dies In COVID-19 Hospital In Odisha; Family Alleges Inordinate Delay In Death Certificate

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)

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