As the climate crisis deepens, Kolkata, a rapidly growing city, is taking steps to embrace greener living, with initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability at both individual and community levels. Actions like reducing carbon footprints through conscious consumption, advocating for environmental policies and creating resilient, sustainable communities are gaining traction. As part of this effort, The Times of India has launched the ‘Greenest Homes of Kolkata’ initiative, which recognises and rewards housing societies that lead in adopting environmentally friendly practices.
The ‘Greenest Homes of Kolkata’ aims at fostering a climate-conscious mindset among residents of apartment complexes and housing societies across Kolkata. With the city expanding vertically, residents have a unique role to play in making their surroundings eco-friendly. This new initiative encourages resident welfare associations (RWAs) to participate by sharing their sustainability practices, with the winners receiving rewards for their environmental efforts.
A resident-driven initiative like this highlights the importance of integrating green practices into daily life to make Kolkata cleaner, greener and more resilient. Housing complexes across the city are encouraged to participate by submitting evidence of their environmental efforts through an online form, which is then reviewed and audited by a team of experts. Through these assessments, a jury of specialists will recognise exemplary RWAs, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.
One housing society already leading the way is Sankalpa 3 in Action Area-1 of New Town. This society has implemented a variety of sustainable practices that score high on environmental friendliness. Sankalpa 3’s Apartment Owners' Association has taken a holistic approach to environmental sustainability by integrating waste segregation, rainwater harvesting, composting and greening efforts into the community's everyday operations.
One of the most notable features of Sankalpa 3’s sustainable practices is its comprehensive rainwater harvesting system. The complex uses a series of seven interconnected pits to store rainwater, which is gradually released to recharge the groundwater supply. "Our groundwater table was impacted by significant subsidence, and this initiative helps us do our part in groundwater replenishment,” said Sagar Deb, a resident who was instrumental in championing these eco-friendly initiatives. The harvested water is treated to ensure its cleanliness, including using catfish in the water pits to help control larvae and algae.
In terms of waste management, Sankalpa 3 has implemented source-based segregation and vermicomposting. Residents actively collect kitchen and garden waste, which is then turned into compost that nourishes the community’s green spaces. Logs, leaves and tree residues are all processed to create nutrient-rich soil.
The society is also looking toward renewable energy as part of its future plans, with provisions made for solar-powered water pumps to be installed soon. Two substations on the premises are ready to harness solar energy to operate three water pumps. However, high initial costs and limited return on investment due to the absence of net metering have been hurdles. Still, Sankalpa 3’s commitment to sustainability remains unwavering, with future plans also including converting a gas station to an EV charging station, signalling a shift towards cleaner, sustainable energy.
