As Delhi struggles under a toxic blanket of smog, with air quality index (AQI) levels often surpassing 400, Peter Singh and Neeno Kaur’s home emerges as a beacon of hope. Nestled in the heart of the city, their house boasts an AQI of just 15 - cleaner than most hill stations! Remarkably, it also stays at a cool 25°C even during Delhi’s peak summer heat. The couple’s journey began with a wake-up call: Neeno’s cancer diagnosis. Determined to embrace a healthier lifestyle, they turned to aquaponics – a system that combines fish farming and soil-free plant cultivation. Today, their home is a lush oasis, hosting 15,000 plants, all grown without soil or chemical fertilisers. The secret lies in their aquaponic setup, which features four large fish tanks. Ammonia-rich water from the tanks nourishes the plants, which, in turn, purify the water before it cycles back to the tanks.

 

This closed-loop system is incredibly water-efficient, using just 1,000 litres daily recycling every drop. Peter and Neeno’s sustainability journey extends ever further. They grow their own vegetables, maize, and herbs, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce and minimal reliance on the market. Moreover, kitchen waste is composted into organic fertilisers, rainwater is harvested, and greywater is recycled to reduce their environmental footprint further. “We want to show that this is how we live. If we can do it, anyone can do it,” says Neeno, who has been cancer-free since 2010. Beyond their own home, the couple is actively working to spread awareness and solutions. They are incorporating aquaponics across schools in Delhi and even hold online classes to inspire others to adopt sustainable practices. As Delhi gasps for clean air, Peter and Neeno’s home offers tangible proof that individual action can bring about profound change. Their story reminds us that a better, greener future is possible - even in the smog-laden heart of the capital.