Delhi Couple Turns Home into a Green Oasis Amid Rising Air Pollution

Inspirational Desk, Delhi Magazine: As Delhi struggles with worsening air pollution after Diwali, the story of an elderly couple who transformed their home into a green living space with around 15,000 plants is drawing attention. Their home in South Delhi’s Sainik Farms has been reported to have an indoor Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of around 10 to 15, offering an interesting example of sustainable living in a city regularly affected by poor air quality.

Delhi recorded an average AQI of 376 on November 8, 2026, the day of Diwali, according to reports based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The reading placed the city’s air quality in the very poor category. On November 9, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) recorded an AQI of 371 at 10 am, showing that pollution remained high even after the celebrations.

There was some improvement over the following days. Delhi’s average AQI dropped to 299 on November 10, moving into the poor category. On November 11, it remained below 300, although several monitoring stations continued to report very poor air quality. Chhawla recorded an AQI of 396, while Chandni Chowk recorded 379, according to reports citing monitoring data.

Against this background, the story of Peter Satwant Singh and his wife Neeno Kaur offers a different perspective on how people can make their living spaces greener and more environmentally conscious.

Why the Couple Transformed Their Delhi Home

Peter Singh and Neeno Kaur’s journey towards sustainable living was closely connected to a health challenge in their family. Neeno was diagnosed with blood cancer, and following chemotherapy, she experienced lung-related complications that made exposure to polluted air a serious concern.

After doctors advised them to consider moving away from Delhi, the couple explored the possibility of living in Goa. Their son also bought them a house there. However, they eventually decided to work on improving their existing home in Delhi rather than permanently leaving the city.

They gradually developed a green environment around their house, introducing thousands of plants, natural cooling arrangements and sustainable methods of growing food.

Inside Their Green Home With 15,000 Plants

The couple’s home is more than a conventional garden. It includes a combination of rooftop greenery, greenhouses, vegetable cultivation and natural systems designed to make the indoor environment more comfortable.

Greenery can also be introduced into smaller spaces at home, including bathrooms, where suitable plants can add a natural touch to the interior. Here are some of the best plants for bathroom spaces that can grow well in humid conditions.

One of its notable features is a water-based air-cooling and filtration arrangement near the entrance. The system uses water and an exhaust fan to help cool and filter incoming air.

The couple have also developed an aquaponics system in which fish waste provides nutrients for growing plants, while the plants help filter the water. They grow vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, celery and mint.

Their sustainable home also uses solar energy, rainwater harvesting and natural construction materials. A rainwater storage tank with a reported capacity of 15,000 litres helps supply water for the plants.

A Different Approach to Living in a Polluted City

Delhi’s post-Diwali pollution once again highlights the challenges faced by people living in the capital. While government agencies continue to work on pollution control measures, the couple’s home shows how sustainable design, greenery and responsible use of natural resources can contribute to a different way of living.

However, their reported indoor AQI reading should not be treated as proof that planting thousands of trees or plants alone can solve air pollution. Indoor air quality depends on several factors, including filtration, ventilation, building design and pollution entering from outside.

Peter Singh and Neeno Kaur’s effort is an example of how a personal health challenge inspired a long-term commitment to greener living. At a time when Delhi residents are once again dealing with polluted air, their home offers an interesting example of sustainable living and environmental awareness.

About the Author

Pranjal

Pranjal is a student of Information Technology at Global Institute of Technology & Management (GITM), Gurugram, and is currently based in the National Capital Region (NCR). He takes an interest in current trends, technology, business, education, lifestyle, entertainment and other topics shaping the world today. Through his contributions to Delhi Magazine, he aims to bring readers interesting stories, the latest updates and useful information across different subjects.