representative image Kolkata: Within the realm of vertical living, two housing communities-Loudon Park in the center of the city and Sodepur Godrej Nature On the northern shore—standing as proof of sustainable urban livingAlthough quite different in size and setting, their commitment eco-friendly practices And climate-conscious living unites them in the fight against pollution and environmental degradation.
Located in one of the most posh areas of Kolkata, Loudon ParkWith its 28 apartments, it is a boutique residential enclave that was home to its residents for more than two decades. Despite its brief size and age, the community was a pioneer in adopting sustainable practices.
Residents reduce water wastage through advanced sensor systems installed on overhead and underground tanks. They are also nurturing trees more than 50 years old, among them a termite-infested banyan tree, which they rescued with the help of experts from the Botanical Garden. Rakesh Bhatia, president of Loudon Park Residents Welfare Association (RWA), said, “Within two months of the drug, the tree came back completely alive. Saving it was a testament to our commitment towards sustainability.”
The community also initiated energy-saving measures, such as switching off one-third of the common LED lights through a single switch at 11 pm every night and exploring. rooftop solar power,
In sharp contrast, Sodepur Godrej Prakrit is spread over 23.5 acres and is home to a vibrant and rapidly growing community. Its RWAs, formed just six months ago, have transformed the campus into a model of sustainable living. It is a zero-water-waste complex, where treated sewage water is reused for landscaping, flushing and car washing.
The community plants 700 trees every year, ensuring that their lush green environment remains vibrant and biodiverse. Avik Sengupta, President of Nature’s RWA, said, “We compost our kitchen waste on site, leaving only dry waste for the landfill. Our aim is to achieve a zero-waste lifestyle and avoid joining the landfill. To obtain reusable materials from waste.”
The four water bodies on the campus are home to diverse biodiversity and are maintained with sustainable fish farming practices to prevent mosquito breeding. Prakriti also reduced groundwater usage by using surface water supplied through the Ganga Action Plan from Panihati Municipality.
Both residential complexes are making progress in reducing their carbon footprint through innovative energy solutions. While Loudon Park is exploring rooftop solar power to power its common areas, Nature has already installed solar units. “Our rooftop and open area solar units take care of a major portion of the power requirements of the common area,” said AK Bhattacharya, secretary of Prakriti RWA.
Both the campuses have the same vision, that is to live harmoniously with nature. Residents at both campuses are dedicated to promoting biodiversity, reducing waste, and adopting sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
“We are increasingly realizing the importance of making our lives green and living in harmony with the ecosystem,” said Loudon Park resident Jeet Bathija.
