Greening One Terrace At A Time

For senior lawyer Srinivas, gardening is about planting change in people’s lives. “We live in times when food safety and health cannot be taken for granted,” he says. “That’s why our mantra is simple: Eat what you grow, grow what you eat.”

Rooftops to a movement

Beginning as a modest idea in Hyderabad, the initiative has now become a community movement, bringing together more than 75,000 gardening enthusiasts across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and several metro cities. CTG is helping urban families turn rooftops, balconies, and even front yards into lush green spaces filled with fresh, chemical-free vegetables, fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants.

More than gardening

At its core, the firm is about about transforming lifestyles. Through workshops, composting drives, and lessons on water-efficient practices, the group has helped popularise high-yield grafted plants like brinjal, tomato, chilli, and even exotics like spiny gourd.

“The joy of harvesting your own food is unmatched,” says Rao. “It connects you to the earth, reduces your carbon footprint, and gives your family healthier meals. What more can you ask for?”

Recognition & responsibility

The initiative has earned recognition from horticultural societies and government bodies for its role in conservation and food security. “CTG also encourages waste-to-wealth practices, urging families to compost kitchen waste and switch to natural fertilisers and eco-friendly pest control,” says Srinivas.

Building a green community

Perhaps CTG’s most inspiring contribution is its sense of community. Members exchange seeds, saplings, and knowledge.

A dynamic vision

Looking ahead, Srinivas envisions a city where every rooftop becomes a mini farm. “Our goal is simple,” he says with a smile. “Every family should be able to grow at least a part of what they eat. If we can make that happen, we will not just have greener cities, but healthier generations.”