Temperature in Rajasthan is soaring daily. This April, some districts have already broken eight-year records, with temperatures crossing 46°C in several areas. Given the ongoing heatwave and unbearable temperatures in Rajasthan, thousands of families have turned their terrace into green shields, that is protecting them against the heat. At least 4,000 families have adopted portable rooftop farming systems, this system is providing naturally cooling indoor spaces, reduction in dependency on AC.

Why is rooftop farming a game changer in Urban Homes?
While traditional terrace gardens are permanent, the structure are portable and lightweight system, a suitable structure for urban settlements. Vertical gardening system, soil-less medium and complete recycling system is a game changer that not only gives shade, but also release moisture in air. This local innovation has gained spotlight when a clip showing the contrast between a rooftop without green cover and one with green cover was circulated online. The sharp contrast clearly showed how the green covered rooftop transformed the space into better livable space. This local innovation received mixed reaction online, some called it perfect cooling ecosystem and said other cities can adapt it, while others doubted the cost, maintenance and water consumption and even the structural capacity to handle the weight of the structure.

Pink City’s other cooling innovations

While Rajasthan is known for the extreme weather condition, now the capital of Rajasthan is also known for the heat-relief experiment. From solar-powered public cooling station for daily wage workers, to khus curtains, mist sprinklers, and wind-tower ventilation, being used in the city to reduce indoor temperatures by 5 degrees. From rooftop farming to cooling station, Rajasthan is trying all cooling strategy in order to protect people from the unbearable heat.