By Arnab Mitra

An ardent environment lover, Dhananjoy Chakravorty has transformed his taxi into a small garden to convey the message of saving the environment.

The 40-year-old driver has created a garden on top of his taxi and has a mini green area in the trunk of his Ambassador car with potted plants. His taxi, named as 'Sobuj Rath' or Green Chariot, also has social messages painted inside it.

In an interaction with NewsGram, Dhanonjoy shared the thoughts behind his innovative project 'Green Chariot'.

Arnab Mitra: How did the idea of 'Green Chariot' come into your mind?

Dhananjoy Chakravorty: It all started three years ago when my wife Sharita planted a small tree on the roof of my taxi. It looked very beautiful and with the consultation of my owner Amardeep Singh, I took the initiative to fulfill my dream project 'Green Chariot'.

AM: Were there any hurdles during the assembling of the 'Green Chariot'?

DC: The main obstacle was money. As a taxi driver, it is very hard to make any savings. But with the help of my wife and support of my owner, I made this 'Green Taxi' with an estimated cost of Rs.55, 000.

Besides this, I have to take care of this new garden every day as it is difficult to keep the plants alive in this weather.

AM: Passengers say that it is really comfortable to ride in your taxi, what do you have to say about this?

DC: Thanks to my small garden! The plants absorb the heat of the sun, so there is always a moderate temperature inside my taxi.

AM: People say that it is just a show-off and you can't continue as it isn't cost effective, would you like to comment on that?

DC: Some people will always feel jealous. But people are with me, and I will continue to spread the message of saving the mother Earth.

AM: What are your future plans?

DC: The project is at its initial stage, so it is hard to say now. But on the World Environment Day (June 5) I have a plan to make a rally from Karunamoyee to Maidan and invite people to join. I will also distribute some of my paintings on the theme 'Save Nature'.

AM: Any message you want to give to the society.

DC: Nature is our best friend. Don't destroy it. Save nature for the benefit of mankind.