Amidst rapid urbanisation and environmental challenges, the city is embracing green initiatives such as rooftop gardens and vertical farming
Bangalore, India, is rapidly developing its infrastructure with a focus on sustainability, innovation and environmentally friendly initiatives. As the city grows, it faces challenges such as urbanisation and environmental issues. To combat these problems, businesses are promoting initiatives like rooftop gardens and vertical farms. Once known as the Garden City of India, Bangalore is now reclaiming its legacy by promoting sustainable living practices and incorporating green spaces into its urban landscape.
Rooftop gardens are becoming increasingly popular in Bangalore, providing various environmental and social benefits. They help reduce the urban heat island effect, provide natural insulation that reduces energy consumption and improve air quality. Residents and businesses are transforming their rooftops into green spaces, combatting pollution and promoting biodiversity.
Many commercial and residential complexes in the city are now promoting rooftop gardening, turning barren rooftops into lush green havens. This initiative not only contributes to biodiversity but also serves as a recreational space for residents.
Vertical farming is another concept that fosters sustainability in Bangalore’s urban spaces. This innovative practice involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers that maximise space utilisation and minimise water consumption. By bringing food production closer to urban centres, vertical farms help reduce carbon emissions and offer several benefits over conventional farming practices, such as higher crop yields, reduced water usage and year-round production.
Community gardens have also emerged as a vital initiative to bring communities together and grow their food. These gardens contribute to food security, promote healthy eating habits and strengthen social ties among residents. Additionally, they serve as an educational platform for sustainable agriculture practices and provide opportunities for residents to reconnect with nature.
The government has constructed several laws and initiatives to support sustainable initiatives. The city has accepted green building certifications like LEED and GRIHA to combat environmental issues and ensure eco-friendly development that abides by environmental concerns while effectively meeting the needs of investors. These initiatives improve locals’ quality of life and aid in ecological preservation. The government has also released a toolkit and manual for the green index that will evaluate, analyse and rank environmental conservation initiatives of various infrastructure projects and programmes.
By rewarding rooftop garden development, supporting vertical farming efforts and allowing the formation of community gardens, the government is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable Bangalore. Collaboration among government agencies and the commercial and public sectors is essential for overcoming obstacles such as lack of knowledge, land availability and regulatory barriers. As Bangalore embraces sustainability and environmental management, the city is sowing the seeds for a greener, more liveable future.
(The writer is Co-Chair of CII NR Real Estate & CEO-Residential, Bhartiya Urban; views are personal)
