Kol complexes show the way to live sustainably despite challenges
Times of India | 17 December 2024
12 Kolkata: In the bustling metropolis of Kolkata, where high-rises are becoming the norm, two residential complexes — Diamond Residency in Bakultala, Behala, and Deeshari Megacity in Narendrapur — are leading the way in adopting green living practices despite challenges. Residents are determined to minimise their carbon footprint, mitigate climate-change impacts, and foster sustainable community living. While each complex has its unique achievements, both share a vision — to create a harmonious balance between urbanisation and nature, proving that vertical conurbations can be eco-friendly havens.
Diamond Residency stands out for its commitment to preserving ancient trees that predate the construction of the high-rise. Residents take pride in nurturing rare flora, like Longan (Aashphol) and Indian Summer Berry (Falsa), plants that are fast disappearing from the region. This effort is complemented by a robust composting system that processes kitchen and garden waste into high-quality manure, which is used to maintain their thriving green spaces. This reduces the community's reliance on external resources and cuts down on contributions to landfill sites, said Asim Bera, secretary of the RWA.
In Deeshari Megacity, the focus has been on creating a sanctuary for birds. Residents ensure nesting zones are undisturbed and take care of injured birds, fostering respect for wildlife among younger generations. They have embraced a unique concept of "green parenting", wherein each child nurtures a tree s/he has planted. "These young crusaders often rush to check on their trees before heading to the playground, reflecting a strong bond with nature in a highly urbanised environment," said Dibakar Acharjee, a resident.
However, both communities face challenges that underscore the complexities of sustainable urban living. At Deeshari Megacity, for instance, a long-standing grievance is the non-operational sewage treatment plant (STP), which has stalled efforts to recycle wastewater. This move could significantly reduce water wastage. While residents are eager to segregate waste at the source, municipal practices of mixing segregated garbage during collection have been a persistent setback, frustrating their efforts to promote proper waste management. Awareness campaigns on the ill effects of plastic and the push for reusable alternatives remain strong within the community.
Diamond Residency has made strides in waste segregation and composting but residents are still working towards implementing rainwater harvesting systems and solar power for common areas. They plan to establish a material recovery unit that will allow them to retrieve recyclable materials from waste. While these efforts are commendable, achieving self-sufficiency in these areas will require substantial investment and collaboration with local authorities.
The aspirations of both complexes extend beyond their current achievements, with shared goals like achieving plastic-free campuses, operationalising STPs, and promoting renewable energy solutions. Residents like Ajit Bhattacharya, president of Diamond Residency RWA, believe the passion of the younger generation is key to ensuring the success of these initiatives. Arindam Chakraborty, president, Deeshari RWA, emphasised the importance of community engagement in fostering sustainability.
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