In the bustling heart of Jamalpur Bank Colony, 75-year-old Rajinder Singh Kalra, a retired army veteran and ex-banker, has reimagined what it means to live sustainably. His home stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship, where meticulous waste management and inventive gardening techniques have turned everyday living into an inspiring model of zero waste.
Kalra’s journey into eco-friendly living began in 2017 when he started experimenting with small-scale composting. What started with a few composting boxes has now blossomed into a terrace outfitted with 16 large drums, all dedicated to managing wet and dry waste. His innovative system ensures that not a single piece of rubbish—be it a discarded wrapper or an unwanted citrus peel—escapes its transformative process.
Taking full advantage of the extended time during the Covid-19 lockdown, Kalra deepened his commitment to nature. He transformed his terrace into four distinct zones: one each for flowers, vegetables, organic manure production, and the preparation of bio-enzymes. The latter, made from citrus peels, serves as a natural cleaning agent for dishwashing, floor cleaning, and even laundry.
An ardent gardener, Kalra now cultivates a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that not only feed his household but also add to the ecological diversity of his neighborhood. His collection includes apple trees sourced from Bilaspur—expected to bear fruit in the coming season—and an avocado tree from Sikkim. Kalra dismisses the idea that limited space hinders green growth; his thriving garden, home to over 500 plants, stands as a testament to his belief that even small spaces can flourish.
The impact of Kalra’s endeavors resonates beyond his own property. His terrace, which doubles as a sanctuary for local wildlife, has attracted sparrows and even the occasional peacock. His pioneering spirit and tangible contributions to community green spaces have not gone unnoticed by local authorities. Municipal Corporation officials, including the mayor and the MC Commissioner, have lauded his work, providing both recognition and encouragement for further innovations.
In addition to his personal projects, Kalra is deeply committed to sharing his knowledge. Collaborating with the local Green Thumb group and various community organizations, he regularly hosts educational visits for both students and civic leaders. His efforts to engage the community extend to creative upcycling: remnants like wrappers are repurposed into comfortable pillows for injured cows at a nearby animal shelter.
A neighborhood landmark not only for its environmental achievements but also for its community spirit, Kalra’s home has become the talk of the town. When local residents are asked about directions, the familiar response is a proud invitation: “You want to go to the zero-waste home.” While the entire Bank Colony is recognized as a model of sustainable living, it is Kalra’s visionary approach that truly sets him apart.
Rajinder Singh Kalra’s story is a powerful reminder that sustainable living is attainable at any age. His home, transformed into a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and care, continues to inspire those around him—demonstrating that with passion and creativity, even a single household can drive meaningful change in our environment.
