As urban landscapes evolve, the concept of vertical living is gaining traction in Kolkata. Projects like Southern Heights in Joka and Chitrakut Heights in New Town promise not just modern housing but a vision of sustainable living. With an ambitious plan of having features like rainwater harvesting, solar rooftops, treated sewage water reuse, and zero-waste initiatives, these developments aim to redefine urban ecology. But is sustainable living in vertical cities an achievable reality, or is it just an idealistic dream?
Green promises in the making
Both housing projects, still under construction, aim to integrate green practices into daily living. While Resident Welfare Associations are yet to be formalised, cultural committees have embraced the principles of sustainability, focusing on reducing waste and mitigating environmental impact. The guiding philosophy is the 4R principle: reduce, refuse, reuse, and recycle. At Southern Heights, sustainability begins with mindful construction practices. "We've ensured heavy-duty machines run on electricity, not diesel. We've invested in green barriers to combat air pollution, and, residents use only battery-driven carts for transportation on the premises," says Snehanshu Ghosh, a resident.
Reusing sewage water
Chitrakut Heights stands out for its innovative sewage treatment and reuse system. "We recycle sewage water through our sewage treatment plant (STP) and use it to flush, clean, garden, and also supply it to the nearby farmland for irrigation," explains Upasana Mukherjee, a resident. This holistic approach not only saves water but also supports the community's sustainability goals.
Towards a green future
Both projects are committed to using solar energy and practising waste composting. "We have prioritised waste segregation, solar energy harvesting, and kitchen waste composting. Our goal is to reduce landfill contributions. We believe these practices will fully take shape once the construction is complete," says Sachin Singh of Southern Heights.
At Chitrakut Heights, residents have started individual composting initiatives. "We are producing high-quality organic manure at an individual level and aim to scale this up to the community level. Our ultimate goal is zero-waste living, ensuring kitchen waste never reaches the landfill," shares Dipam Chakraborty, secretary of the cultural committee.
Challenges and hopes
Both communities acknowledge that the true impact of their green initiatives will only be realised once construction is complete and systems are fully operational. But residents are optimistic about their ability to lead by example. As Kolkata's skyline rises, projects like Southern Heights and Chitrakut Heights offer a blueprint for sustainable vertical living and aligning urban growth with environmental responsibility.
