Horticultural Society Jamshedpur Begins ‘Garden of the Year 2026’ Assessment
Jamshedpur, January 10: The Horticultural Society Jamshedpur has begun the assessment process for 11th “Garden of the Year 2026” competition, with expert judges visiting several gardens across the city on January 10 and 11. The annual competition aims to promote sustainable gardening, biodiversity and the development of aesthetically pleasing green spaces in Jamshedpur.
The inspection tour began at the residence of Tata Steel Vice President Uttam Singh on Saturday.
The competition has received enthusiastic participation from a wide range of categories, including academic and educational institutions, corporate offices, clubs and hotels, individual houses and bungalows, company-maintained bungalows, roof gardens and balcony gardens. This diverse participation reflects the city’s growing commitment to eco-friendly practices and urban greenery.
Entries are being evaluated on multiple parameters such as seasonal flowers, perennial potted plants, kitchen gardens (where applicable), overall garden layout, lawn maintenance and innovative garden features. Special emphasis is also being placed on greenhouses, medicinal plants, sculptures, topiary work and water bodies, which add to the overall appeal and sustainability of the gardens.
The assessment is being conducted by a distinguished jury of horticulture experts from Kolkata including Atanu Kar, Prasanjit Guha, Amit Shankar Bhat and Shubhranshu Maity. Their expertise lends credibility and transparency to the judging process. Members of the Horticultural Society Jamshedpur are assisting the jury during inspections.
According to Dr Dhananjay Choubey, the objective of the competition is not only to reward excellence but also to encourage gardeners to make the best use of their spaces. Judges may suggest simple and cost-effective improvements without recommending drastic changes. The competition is open to all gardens located within the Jamshedpur area, subject to specific rules such as prohibition of artificial grass and recently repotted plants.
Ashwini Kumar of Horticultural Society Jamshedpur informed that this year 65 participants have applied for the contest compared to 52 last year.
This year, the competition has expanded significantly, with more categories introduced to ensure wider participation. The prize distribution ceremony is expected to be held in February, with the final date to be announced later.
Our focus is greener Jamshedpur, says Sumita Nupur
Interacting with the media at her residence, competition participant cum president of the Horticultural Society Jamshedpur Sumita Nupur said that this year’s edition has seen increased participation and greater inclusivity. “There are a total of 65 participants this year across 14 different categories, which is more than last year,” she said.
She explained that earlier the competition had only nine categories, but the number has now been increased to ensure that more residents of Jamshedpur can take part. “Each category has its own separate judging criteria. Balcony gardens, roof gardens and large bungalows are all assessed differently, and everything has been planned very carefully,” she added.
Highlighting the transparency of the process, Nupur said all judges have been invited from outside the city to avoid any influence. “The judging is done in a very confidential manner,” she said.
She also shared her personal passion for gardening, noting that she makes changes to her garden every year. “My main objective is to see how we can spread more greenery in this already green city and motivate people from all backgrounds to take up gardening,” she said.
According to her, the Garden of the Year competition plays a vital role in encouraging residents to adopt sustainable gardening practices and take pride in maintaining healthy and vibrant green spaces.
Unfortunately footpaths service roads encroachments by shops buses and vehicles put common public fatal every day. Too much pollution increases bronchites. This zone became canciric zone. Two rivers heavily polluted by industrial wastes. No traffic signals at Mango bridge and other heavy traffic places.