As heatwaves become more frequent and severe in Delhi, residents of Sunder Nagri are documenting their daily struggles in a project aimed at highlighting the human impact of extreme temperatures. Gulshan, a mother of four, shares her family’s coping strategies, including using a desert cooler sparingly to manage energy costs. Despite these efforts, the heat continues to take a toll on their health, with skin rashes becoming common due to the oppressive humidity.
The initiative encourages residents to record their experiences, revealing stark differences in how heat affects various communities based on geography and socio-economic status. For instance, Raja, a street vendor, faces temperatures exceeding 45C while working, leading to spoiled produce and reduced income. His experience underscores the urgent need for public policy that addresses the realities of those most affected by heat.
The diaries are not just personal accounts; they aim to inform urban resilience policies. By mapping heat indices in their neighbourhood, residents have identified areas reaching ground temperatures over 54C. This data is crucial for advocating for better infrastructure and support systems to protect vulnerable populations.
As these testimonies are submitted to India’s National Human Rights Commission, there is hope that they will prompt recognition of extreme heat as a human rights issue. The goal is to push for targeted measures that can help safeguard the health and livelihoods of those living in the most affected areas of Delhi.
Source: The Guardian
