In the rapidly changing urban landscape, environment preservation and promotion have become an urgent priority. DLF Foundation, the CSR arm of DLF Group, shows that well-planned development and thriving natural ecosystems can coexist.
Through its environmental programme – Greening Cities, the Foundation focuses on integrating plantation, biodiversity, and climate resilience, creating green spaces in urban landscapes benefitting both present and future generations.
“Thriving cities develop in harmony with integrating the environment and natural landscape within the urban footprint,” says Gayatri Paul, CEO, DLF Foundation. “Our mission is to show that urbanisation and ecological balance can coexist and complement each other.
The Greening Cities initiative is aimed at creating healthier neighbourhoods and protecting the environment for future generations.” Working with municipal authorities in Gurugram, Delhi, and Hyderabad, DLF Foundation has adopted and maintained over 6.05 lakh square metres of green belts and parks planting more than 16.33 lakh native trees and shrubs in FY 24-25. These green spaces have rainwater harvesting pits for recharging groundwater, ensuring greenery persists through the hot summers. Ms Paul shares, “Our dedicated Horticulture Team ensures that the right species are planted and also undertakes regular maintenance, safety for year-round lush green cover.”
DLF Foundation has also revitalised neighbourhood parks. In Greater Kailash-I, Delhi, two eight-acre public parks were adopted from the MCD, and redeveloped by integrating walking paths, open gyms, gazebos, and play areas. Energy-efficient lighting, integrated waste management, and rainwater harvesting make them models of sustainable urban recreation, which are a haven for the elderly, children and community members.
An innovative green project is the Shanti Sthaan, an eco-friendly crematorium in Gurugram’s Sector 72A, developed in collaboration with Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). The unique feature is that this crematorium combines tradition with sustainability, featuring a mix of CNG and Mokshda pyres. “It’s architectural and engineering design, developed in partnership with leading design and planning consultants, uses sustainable technologies within a tranquil environment, with advanced systems that minimise smoke, reduce emissions, and support eco-conscious waste processing”, says the CEO. This ethos is reflected in the use of natural, earthy building materials and private gathering areas that ensure privacy and dignity during last rites. Large-scale landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and wheelchair accessibility are also incorporated, setting a new standard for green civic amenities in India.
The Foundation’s environmental strategy also works in tandem with active community involvement. Through the DLF Engage Volunteering Programme, regular volunteering drives, including tree-plantation, seed-ball making, and tree-care volunteering, encourage citizens to become long-term guardians of their environment. “Environmental transformation needs co-ownership. By involving residents, schools, and local organisations through our volunteering and advocacy initiatives, we are encouraging a cultural shift, where caring for our green spaces becomes a norm”, says Tanish Maheshwari, Head – Communications & Advocacy, DLF Foundation.
These efforts support several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), while advancing India’s Green India Mission.
At DLF Foundation, “Greening Cities” is not just a Programme, it means creating spaces where nature and people thrive together. Every tree planted, every drop of water saved, and every green space restored is a step towards a healthier, greener, and resilient future.
