Kolkata: As the city’s urban landscape grows vertically, three major high-rise residential complexes – Lake District, Rosedale Gardens, and Uniworld City – stand out for their commitment to green living and sustainable practices. Each of these complexes is redefining urban life by balancing infrastructure with biodiversity and environmental consciousness.
Lake District: Blending greenery with innovation
Spread over seven acres with 13 towers, Lake District in East Kolkata boasts of 40% green coverage. Despite rapid urbanisation, the complex has retained its greenery, including large, fruit-bearing trees and deep-rooted plants that help mitigate climate challenges.
Resident Pabitra Chatterjee said the complex generates around 200 kg of waste daily, 10% of which consists of plastic bottles. While waste segregation currently takes place at the ground level, the complex is working to implement source-level segregation. “We are educating residents to classify and separate waste before handing it to collectors,” he said.
The complex has initiated a composting project using decomposed flowers and is exploring advanced designs to produce bioenergy and other by-products. Collaborations with green initiatives, including NGOs supplying PET disposal drums, are also in progress to streamline plastic waste management.
Rosedale Gardens: A sanctuary for pets
With 50% green cover, Rosedale Gardens has retained several old trees and offers a unique feature — an exclusive pet park and dog-feeding zones for strays. The complex emphasises a community-driven approach to sustainability, forming a subcommittee dedicated to reducing carbon footprint and addressing climate challenges.
“We have a long wishlist for sustainable living, including kitchen waste composting, rooftop solar panels, and a sewage treatment plant to recycle water for flushing and gardening,” said Rana Mukherjee, president of the Utsav Committee. Efforts are underway to install solar panels on the rooftops of single-story buildings. Wastewater recycling and advanced solar initiatives are also being explored with green energy experts to evaluate feasibility and investment potential.
Uniworld City: Green practices meet modern living
Uniworld City stands apart with nearly 60% open space, making it one of the most environmentally conscious residential complexes in Kolkata. The community has implemented a waste segregation system and operates a sewage treatment plant, recycling water for landscaping and flushing. One of its standout features is the replacement of bituminous driveways with eco-friendly paver blocks.
“This surface radiates less heat during summer, contributing to a cooler microclimate,” said Asit Banerjee, president of the RWA. The complex takes pride in its biodiversity, with large, seasonal fruit-bearing trees that also serve as a natural buffer against climate extremes. Non-potable water is reserved for plantation purposes.
Shared aspirations for a green future
All three complexes share a common vision of fostering environmentally sustainable communities. From rooftop solar panels to composting initiatives, they are adopting multifaceted approaches to reduce their carbon footprint. Lake District’s composting efforts, Rosedale’s pet-friendly green spaces, and Uniworld City’s eco-friendly driveways showcase how Kolkata’s high-rise residents are adapting to environmental laws. Together, these communities serve as a blueprint for sustainable vertical living.
