Heatwaves have become a relentless force in urban areas, particularly affecting the most vulnerable communities. Delhi residents sweltered under a relentless sun this May, as a scorching heatwave gripped the capital city. Temperatures soared to a brutal 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), turning daily routines into a struggle for survival. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) even reported a possible record-breaking 52.9 degrees Celsius in some areas, though the data is still under investigation.
This extreme heat wasn't just uncomfortable; it turned dangerous. Hospitals reported a surge in heatstroke cases, with one tragic death already confirmed. The scorching temperatures pushed the city's power grid to the limit, leading to blackouts that left many without relief from the stifling heat.
As Delhi baked under the heatwave, the temperature disparity between rich and poor became painfully clear. In posh neighborhoods with sprawling lawns and air-conditioned homes, the discomfort was manageable. But in Delhi's sprawling slums, a different story unfolded. In urban slums, temperatures can soar up to 6°C higher than other city areas, exacerbating public health and socioeconomic crises.
Here, densely packed dwellings made of corrugated metal sheets became scorching furnaces. The narrow alleys trapped radiating heat, creating a microclimate even hotter than the rest of the city. With limited access to proper ventilation and cooling, slum residents faced a brutal fight for survival.
Even a simple act like getting a good night's sleep became a luxury under the oppressive heat, exacerbating health problems and pushing vulnerable communities to the brink. This disparity, driven by the urban heat island effect, highlights the urgent need for targeted climate action to shield these at-risk populations.
SEEDS' comprehensive strategy for cooling urban spaces
SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society), a not-for-profit organisation that enables community resilience through practical action, has launched several initiatives to combat the severe impacts of heatwaves, particularly in the densely populated slums of Delhi. Their approach includes the implementation of thermal insulation in shelters, establishing water stations to prevent dehydration, and conducting extensive educational programs.
These efforts are centered in Kishan Kunj, East Delhi, where the community faces acute risks due to extreme temperatures. The "Under the Umbrella" campaign by SEEDS is dedicated to protecting marginalised communities in north western India from extreme heat waves. By promoting inclusivity and providing essential resources and information, the campaign empowers vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly, to stay safe. SEEDS' initiative emphasises carrying an umbrella and water bottle to mitigate heat impacts and fosters community resilience and preparedness.
Cool roof technology: A key initiative in Kishan Kunj
In Kishan Kunj, SEEDS has equipped households with innovative cool roofing technology. These roofs, featuring reflective insulation sheets, significantly reduce indoor temperatures, offering a comprehensive solution to enhance comfort during heatwaves. Additionally, the project includes community training sessions to raise awareness about the benefits of cool roofs and other heat mitigation practices.
The success of SEEDS' initiatives heavily relies on community involvement. In Kishan Kunj, training sessions have been held, empowering residents with knowledge and tools to combat heatwave effects. Noteworthy is the creation of a cooling shelter made from eco-friendly materials, where community members like rickshaw pullers and construction workers can find respite from the heat.
SEEDS has also empowered women from the community to tackle high temperatures by repurposing old sarees and plastic bottles to create street shading structures. Guided by SEEDS' ground team, this innovative initiative showcases the community's resourcefulness and commitment to mitigating the impact of soaring temperatures.
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) installations were used, with informative handouts on cool roofing solutions and guidelines for extreme weather events distributed at Anganwadi centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and within the community. This strategic approach ensures the effective sharing of essential information to foster preparedness and awareness.
Impact and stories of resilience
The project has successfully reached around 39,448 individuals through its targeted awareness sessions and interventions. At the National Workshop on Heat Wave 2024 held on February 14, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi, Razia Bano from Kishan Kunj, East Delhi, shared her experiences. SEEDS has been active in the Kishan Kunj area, focusing last year on educating the community, particularly women and small children, who are most vulnerable as they often remain indoors, about how to mitigate the effects of heat.
In the same community, Sonam, who moved to Kishan Kunj from Gujarat with her family seeking better opportunities, has faced significant challenges due to their home's inadequate structure made of bamboo and topped with a tin roof, which intensified the heat discomfort. Despite the harsh conditions, Sonam and her husband Ramesh, who earns a living by bartering utensils for clothes, were committed to improving their family’s life.
Efforts to alleviate the heat through simple measures like placing plants were often disrupted by external factors. SEEDS stepped in to provide thermal insulation sheets and protective nets, which greatly enhanced the comfort of their home by reducing heat penetration. This aid significantly improved their living conditions, enabling a safer, cooler environment conducive to better quality of life and education for their children, Aradhya and Ayush.
Sonam’s resilience, supported by SEEDS’ interventions, illustrates the powerful impact of community collaboration and aid. Their combined efforts transformed their living space from a challenging environment to a sanctuary of comfort, highlighting the strength of targeted support and the positive change it can bring to the lives of vulnerable communities.
Under the umbrella: Empowering marginalised communities to combat heat waves
The "Under the Umbrella" campaign, led by SEEDS, is making a significant impact on marginalised communities by addressing the urgent threat of extreme heat waves. This campaign prioritises inclusivity, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations, including those living in poorly insulated homes and densely populated urban areas, have access to crucial resources and information to stay safe.
By focusing on public health and the mitigation of rising temperatures, SEEDS is working to protect communities disproportionately affected by heat waves. The campaign promotes scalable solutions, community engagement, and equitable resource distribution, fostering resilience and preparedness among those most at risk.
A key piece of advice from SEEDS is for children and the elderly to always carry an umbrella and a bottle of water to protect themselves from the heat. Through this initiative, SEEDS is not only raising awareness but also empowering marginalised communities to withstand and adapt to the challenges posed by extreme heat events.
The work done by SEEDS in Kishan Kunj serves as a model for other urban areas grappling with the challenges of climate change and urban heat islands. By focusing on sustainable solutions, community involvement, and comprehensive education, cities can enhance their resilience against the increasingly harsh impacts of global warming. The ongoing efforts in Kishan Kunj proves the power of community-led initiatives in fostering a safer, cooler urban environment.
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