There is a little patch in Delhi that has an average AQI (air quality index) under 15, comparable to the best in the world, even when the levels zoom off the charts in the rest of the city. In fact, Delhi sees nearly 80 people dying every day with health problems related to air pollution.
Peter Satwant Singh, 80, and his wife Neeno Kaur, 70, have set a great example by turning their house in Delhi’s Sainik Farms into an oasis of peace, tranquility and clean air. As you step in, a cool breeze kisses your skin, the sound of flowing water soothes your soul, nature’s vibrant colours catch your eyes and floral fragrance send your mind wandering.
It all began when the couple moved to Sainik Farms in 1989 after Neeno needed treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for chronic leukaemia. During the course of the treatment, the couple heard about an ayurvedic practitioner from Dehradun, who told them about sattvic diet—only fresh and organic food. It changed their lifestyle completely.
In 2009, after chemotherapy was no longer possible, Neeno flew to London for a complete bone marrow transplant. The procedure was successful, but years of chemotherapy had damaged her lungs, so their son did not want his parents to live the rest of their lives in Delhi.
They chose Goa to ensure that Neeno could always breathe fresh air. But they could not find many organic farms, and had to source veggies from Delhi. That was when Peter got interested in aquaponics, a mixture of hydroponics (growing plants without soil) and aquaculture (growing fish). He did his research and set up a small unit at his house in Delhi and later in Goa where fish and plants co-exist.
Peter says aquaponics mimics nature’s water cycle. Rainwater gets infused with nutrients as it flows down the hills. The water gets even more nutrient-dense once it reaches lakes and rivers, aided by fish and other aquatic organisms. It provides excellent nutrition to plants. The water finally reaches the sea where it evaporates, and comes back as rain once again.
In the aquaponics tank at Peter’s house, there is a motor that spins the water, bringing all the fish waste to the centre. It is pumped out to a biofilter, where the ammonia is broken down into nitrates and nitrides which offer rich nutrition to the plants. This nutrient-rich water is then pumped down to the 15,000 plants grown by the couple. From there, the water is pumped back to the fish tanks.
Peter has a rain-water harvesting system that can collect up to 22,000 litres and a solar power system, making the house completely self-sustained.
To save themselves from Delhi’s toxic air, Peter and Neeno have covered the house in airtight translucent plastic. There is one opening with a filter which has water running constantly over it. There are two exhaust fans that blow cool air into the house, keeping temperature at a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius even during peak summer.
Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha said having more plants was certainly beneficial, but appeared doubtful about the extent of their impact on reducing pollution. “There is no doubt that plants are good,” he said. But [can they bring down pollution] so drastically?” Peter, meanwhile, is happy to show everyone the quality of air inside his house, pointing to the readings on his air quality monitor.
Peter and Neeno’s constant urge to give each other a healthier world has now given them the best air, the cleanest water and the most nutritious food. Today, their home is a sanctuary, manifesting the best of innovation and respect for nature.