The Gandhi Nagar bus stand in Adyar is making heads turn, thanks to a section of its compound wall, where animals, birds and insects have been reinvented in geometric shapes.
These animals and birds, defined by dots and lines, are meant to be a reminder that we are destroying their habitats. The theme is said to have been chosen because two wildlife hotspots, Guindy National Park and the Adyar Estuary are located nearby.
The beautification drive is part of the ‘Varnam’ project of The Candles, a non-governmental organisation based in Anna Nagar. The walls were earlier covered with posters and graffiti.
“We took permission from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation authorities to beautify the walls. The objective was not just to paint the walls but somehow drive home the message to protect the environment. We painted in geometric shapes because they are more attractive to the eye than any other. We want people to stop, take a look and think about it,” says Angelin Prince, founder-director of the NGO. “We generally draw Gond and Warli forms of painting. We also draw graffiti and doodles and write messages based on environmental and social themes.”
Also, the walls were painted overnight, just to avoid the scorching sun. “It would have been impossible to paint during the day given the temperature that the city is witnessing. So once we mobilised enough volunteers apart from our dedicated team, we started painting on the evening of May 25 and finished before sunrise the next day. Besides, we could have caused traffic disruption but painting at night gave us the space to paint freely as the vehicle flow is very less. We choose the second or fourth Saturday as the day is a holiday and the volunteers can relax the next day,” she adds.
The Candles started its Varnam initiative in 2016 and has completed many beautification projects across the city. Those who want to be a part of the painting programmes of Varnam may contact Angelin at 82483 64496.
It may be noted that another compound wall at the Gandhi Nagar bus terminus has also turned into a canvas, with Environmentalist Foundation of India also undertaking the work of painting animals and birds in a beautification and awareness drive.
