Reimagining Rooftops: DNECF and the Greening of Delhi through Kootukrishi

“One Plant for Every Human” — a vision taking root above the city.

In a metropolis where concrete jungles stretch endlessly and green spaces shrink with each new high-rise, finding room for nature might seem like an uphill battle. But what if the solution has always been right above us?

Welcome to Kootukrishi, a revolutionary rooftop farming initiative led by NAAM Delhi, in collaboration with the Dianalds New Era Care Foundation. This year, DNECF proudly joined as one of the sponsors of the Kootukrishi Rooftop Farming initiative, supporting its expansion and community engagement activities across the city. At the heart of this initiative is a powerful belief: sustainable change begins with small, consistent actions—and sometimes, it starts with a single plant.

A Movement Rooted in Urgency — and Action

Delhi’s unchecked urban sprawl has come at the cost of clean air, local food production, and green spaces. Kootukrishi isn’t just a response—it’s a movement. It transforms unused rooftops into thriving microfarms, reduces pollution, shortens food supply chains, and reconnects city dwellers with nature.

DNECF, under the inspiring leadership of its Founder and Director Lata Oommen, has been at the forefront of this transformation. More than a partner, DNECF is an active force in the movement—mobilizing resources, communities, and ideas to turn rooftops into regenerative ecosystems.

Lata Oommen: Leading From the Front

This isn’t leadership from behind a desk. Lata Oommen has been physically present at rooftop farm installations, working shoulder to shoulder with volunteers, mentoring local residents, and guiding implementation strategies. Her presence has ignited community participation and amplified the impact of the initiative.

From hosting awareness sessions to planting the first seedlings herself, Lata has embodied the spirit of Kootukrishi—not just in words, but in deeply rooted action.

Why DNECF Believes in Kootukrishi

DNECF has long stood for environmental justice, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban practices. The Kootukrishi initiative aligns seamlessly with these goals:

• Climate Action: Urban farming contributes to carbon capture, reduced urban heat, and cleaner air.

• Food Security: Hyperlocal food production reduces dependence on long, energy-intensive supply chains.

• Community Building: Shared farming spaces strengthen social bonds and community resilience.

• Youth Engagement: DNECF’s educational outreach has brought students and young citizens to the rooftops, learning farming skills and environmental stewardship firsthand.

  
  

Why Your Organization Should Join Us

Supporting Kootukrishi through DNECF is an opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. Here's what your involvement could look like:

1. Elevate CSR with PurposeCollaborate on rooftop farming projects that align your brand with tangible sustainability outcomes.

2. Be Seen as a Green LeaderYour partnership will be featured in media campaigns, community events, and impact reports.

3. Involve Your TeamLet your employees take part in hands-on volunteering, rooftop installations, and urban nature workshops.

4. Shape Urban PolicyPartner with DNECF in advocating for rooftop farming-friendly regulations and public incentives.

   
   

How You Can Help

Kootukrishi offers multiple paths to impact:

• Financial Sponsorship: Help fund the expansion of rooftop farms across Delhi.

• In-Kind Support: Provide tools, seeds, irrigation systems, or tech solutions.

• Volunteer Time: Organize corporate volunteering days or send experts to assist.

• Policy Collaboration: Back legislative support for sustainable urban agriculture.

  
  

A Rooftop Revolution with Roots in Community

Kootukrishi is more than a farming project—it is a vision for a greener, self-sustaining Delhi. Thanks to the tireless efforts of DNECF and the personal commitment of Lata Oommen, this vision is becoming reality, one rooftop at a time.

We invite you to become a stakeholder in this transformative journey. Let’s grow together—literally.

To collaborate, volunteer, or donate, write to us at mailus@dnecf.org.Join us in making Delhi not just a city, but a living, breathing ecosystem of change.