Nirbhay Lumde, Sr. VP of ESG at Prestige Group, discusses Prestige Group’s recent biodiversity approach, native plantations, and how green urban spaces can support resilient city development.
By Rusen Kumar
BENGALURU (India CSR): As Indian cities continue to expand, the need to integrate ecology into urban development is gaining importance. Biodiversity is increasingly being viewed not only as an environmental concern, but also as a factor linked to urban resilience, public well-being, and long-term sustainability. In this backdrop, developers are exploring ways to make green spaces more functional and ecologically relevant within urban projects.
In this interview, India CSR Editor Rusen Kumar speaks with Nirbhay Lumde, Sr. VP of ESG, on Prestige Group’s approach to biodiversity within its developments. He shares the Group’s perspective on retaining and restoring ecological elements, the objectives behind the Prestige Green Promise, and the role of initiatives such as butterfly gardens, orchards, native plantations, and apiaries in strengthening urban ecosystems. The conversation also examines how such interventions can influence resident well-being, community engagement, and the future of Indian cities.
Edited excerpts of an interview:
Q. What is Prestige Group’s larger vision behind integrating biodiversity into its urban developments, and how do you see this shaping the future of Indian cities?
Our approach to biodiversity is still evolving, but the intent is clear: to ensure that development does not completely disconnect cities from nature.
Urbanisation will continue, but the way we build must become more sensitive to the land’s ecological character. At Prestige, we are trying to move from a mindset of replacing landscapes to one of retaining, restoring, and, where needed, recreating elements of biodiversity within developments.
Over time, this approach can help shape cities that are not only liveable, but also more resilient, where green spaces are not decorative, but functional parts of the urban ecosystem.
Q. Through the Prestige Green Promise and related initiatives, what long-term environmental and social impact does the Group aim to create in Bengaluru and beyond?
The Prestige Green Promise, with a commitment to plant one million trees in Bengaluru, is our way of contributing to the city’s long-term ecological health.
The focus is on native species, which are better suited to local conditions and more effective in supporting biodiversity. Over time, such efforts can help improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and strengthen the city’s green cover.
Equally important is the social dimension. Tree planting and green initiatives raise awareness and encourage community participation, helping people reconnect with nature in their everyday lives.
Q. How do initiatives such as butterfly gardens, fruit orchards, native plantations, and apiaries contribute to building healthier and more resilient urban ecosystems?
Each of these initiatives plays a small but meaningful role in supporting urban biodiversity.
- Butterfly gardens support pollinators and indicate healthy micro ecosystems.
- Fruit orchards and native plantings provide food and habitat for birds and insects.
- Apiaries help sustain bee populations, which are critical for pollination and ecological balance.
Individually, these may seem like small interventions, but together they help create micro habitats within urban spaces, contributing to ecological resilience over time.
Q. In your view, how can biodiversity-focused real estate development improve the everyday lives of residents, communities, and future generations?
Biodiversity in urban developments directly influences how people experience their environment. Green spaces can improve air quality, thermal comfort, and overall well-being. They also create opportunities for people, especially children, to engage with nature, which is increasingly rare in dense urban settings. In the long term, developments that integrate biodiversity are likely to be more sustainable and livable, benefiting not just current residents but future generations as well.
Q. What early outcomes or visible impacts have you observed from Prestige Group’s biodiversity initiatives, both in ecological terms and in community engagement?
We are beginning to see early signs of impact, particularly in terms of increased presence of birds, butterflies, and pollinators in landscaped areas across projects. There is also a noticeable shift in how residents engage with these spaces. Green zones are not just aesthetic features; they are actively used and appreciated. While it is still early in our journey, these indicators suggest that even incremental efforts can make a visible difference.
Q. How do you measure the real impact of such green interventions beyond plantation numbers, especially in terms of restoration, conservation, and urban wellbeing?
Plantation numbers are only a starting point. The real measure of impact lies in how well these ecosystems sustain themselves over time. We are gradually moving toward tracking aspects such as the survival rates of native species, the presence of pollinators and birdlife, and the use of green spaces by communities. Equally important is the qualitative aspect, how these spaces improve everyday experiences, comfort, and well-being for residents and users of our developments.
Q. What message would you like to give to the real estate sector and city planners on making biodiversity a central pillar of urban growth and sustainable development?
Urban development and biodiversity need not be opposing forces. As a sector, we have an opportunity to build with greater sensitivity to the land, whether that means preserving existing ecosystems, using native species, or creating green spaces that serve ecological purposes. The shift does not have to be immediate or perfect. Even incremental steps, taken consistently, can collectively make a meaningful difference to how our cities evolve. On occasions like the International Day of Forests, it is a good reminder that forests are not only distant ecosystems, they can and should find a place within the cities we are building.
Rusen Kumar, Editor of India CSR, is a renowned thought leader in the field of Corporate Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He regularly writes insightful articles and conducts interviews with industry leaders, policymakers, and development practitioners, promoting dialogue on responsible business and sustainable development.
