Sustainable water management to solar panels, Kol housing complexes embrace green urban living
Times of India | 31 March 2025
123456 Kolkata: With climate change an imminent reality, residential complexes in Kolkata are stepping up their sustainability efforts.
Three distinct residential complexes — Merlin Iris in Mukundapur, Diamond City South in Paschim Putiyari and Merlin Waterfront in Shibpore, Howrah — are charting different paths toward sustainable urban living. While some have successfully integrated eco-friendly practices, others are working to revive lost green initiatives.
At Merlin Waterfront, sustainable water management became a top priority. "We don't let a single drop go to waste. The entire sewage water gets treated and is reused for flushing, landscaping, and vehicle washing," said Arindam Debnath, president of the Waterfront Residents' Welfare Association (RWA). This systematic approach to water conservation not only reduces dependence on municipal water supplies but also sets a benchmark for other housing complexes looking to adopt green solutions.
Merlin Iris, spread over 0.6 acres, made significant strides in integrating sustainable energy solutions. The residential complex features rooftop solar panels that generate green power for common areas. "Our sewage treatment plant (STP) works wonders by recycling waste and sewage water for various activities such as flushing, common area cleaning, and landscaping," said Himadri Chaudhury, secretary, Iris RWA.
Diamond City South, an older residential complex, once boasted multiple green initiatives, including solar power generation, waste segregation, and composting kitchen waste. However, these efforts faltered over time due to maintenance challenges and successive cyclones. "We had a solar rooftop, but storms damaged it. Waste segregation and composting were once part of our daily routine, but we could not sustain them in the long run. Now, with climate change looming, we are determined to revive these practices for the sake of future generations," said Pushpa Singh, president of the Diamond City South RWA.
The efforts reflect a growing awareness among city residents about the urgent need for sustainable living. While some societies are already setting benchmarks, others are learning from past challenges and making a comeback in the green movement.
With rising temperatures and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, these initiatives signal an essential shift towards responsible urban living.
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