Under the Umbrella: A Summer of Action
India’s heatwaves are no longer an anomaly. They are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more lethal. This March, Delhi crossed 37°C. Cities like Varanasi and Bhopal are already reporting temperature spikes weeks ahead of schedule.
Millions living in underserved urban pockets — without access to water, shade, or information — are facing multiplied risks. Heat stress is no longer just a health concern but a survival issue.
In response to this humanitarian emergency that looms large, SEEDS has launched the Under the Umbrella Campaign 2025, a city-level initiative designed to protect lives, livelihoods, and homes across six of India’s most heat-vulnerable cities: Delhi, Bhopal, Chennai, Varanasi, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar.
Through Under the Umbrella campaign, you can contribute to the lives of over 5,000 people. We’re facilitating two things immediate protection and long-term resilience.
Your donation supports quick-action heatwave kits and the insulation of homes, helping vulnerable communities survive today’s heat and build toward a safer future. Every rupee brings someone under a safer, cooler umbrella.
Pledge 1: Equip 1 Person with a Basic Survival Kit
Support Level: ₹1,000
What You Provide: 1 Basic Kit for someone vulnerable to extreme heat
The Kit Includes:
- Umbrella
- Water Bottle
- Cotton towel
- Cap or protective hat
- ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) And more essentials
Your Impact: Give one person the tools they need to stay safe and healthy during dangerous heatwaves.
Pledge 2: Equip 5 People with Basic Survival Kits
Support Level: ₹5,000
What You Provide: 5 Basic Kits for people at risk from extreme heat
The Kit Includes:
- Umbrella
- Water Bottle
- Cotton towel
- Cap or protective hat
- ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) And more essentials
Your Impact: Help five people face extreme heat with confidence and care.
Rajiya’s daughter died due to extreme heat in their home. Determined to prevent further tragedy, she learnt simple cooling methods like placing wet jute bags on the roof, with SEEDS. These techniques helped make her home 4 degrees Celsius cooler, and safer. Now she champions these solutions in her community. Help support more such roofs.
Pledge 3: Cool a Roof for a Home for 1 Family
Support Level: ₹15,000
What You Provide: A new climate-resilient solution to a home
Your Impact:
- Reduces indoor temperatures by several degrees Offers lasting protection for an entire family during relentless heatwaves
- Your support creates a real, long-term refuge from the heat—an investment in comfort, resilience, and survival for generations.
Pledge 4: Cool a Roof for 5 Homes for 5 Families
Support Level: ₹75,000
What You Provide: Climate-resilient solutions for 5 homes
Your Impact::
- Reduces indoor heat for five families
- Delivers long-term safety and comfort during extreme weather
- Your generosity creates a legacy of resilience and hopes for entire communities.
The Different Kinds of Cool Roofs
We support the community building a range of cooling roofs, depending on the nature of the materials available around them. The average cost of creating such roofs, while building employment opportunities within the community is Rs 15,000. This sum covers logistical, material and labour costs.
Green Vegetation on a Bamboo Frame
Green Sheet on a Bamboo Frame
Jute Cloth on a Bamboo Frame
Bamboo Sheets on a Frame
Terracotta Pots
Cow Dung and Mud Paste on sheets
White Paint
How You Can Help
Heatwaves will intensify, but the scale of their impact is not inevitable. Your support can bring relief to those on the frontlines — families without water, workers without safety nets, and communities without cool spaces.
Every donation helps SEEDS reach more people, faster — with water, shelter, knowledge, and protection. The more we raise, the more lives we can protect.
Support SEEDS.
Be part of the solution this summer.