With summer at its peak, parts of north and east India are still experiencing extreme heat while other regions begin to cool down with the rains. In some states, temperatures have crossed 47°C, making daily life challenging. From health risks to parched roads, the heat has become a pressing concern—but communities and individuals are finding ways to adapt and stay safe.

According to the Heat Watch 2024 report, 733 deaths due to heatstroke were recorded across 17 states between March and June last year. Additionally, the Indian Meteorological Department has warned that several states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh will experience more heatwave days than usual this year.

While some people escape to the hills in search of cooler climes, and others retreat indoors with the air conditioning on full blast, a growing number are taking a different approach.

1. Turning Tin Roofs Into Heat Shields

Where: Kishan Kunj, East Delhi

Who: Residents and SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society)

What they did: In the tightly packed lanes of Kishan Kunj, a low-income settlement in East Delhi, the summer sun turns metal roofs into baking trays. Most homes have tin sheet roofs that trap heat, making it unbearable inside.

To tackle this, the NGO SEEDS launched the “Under the Umbrella” campaign, distributing aluminium bubble insulation sheets to households. These silver sheets, when installed under the tin roofs, act as a barrier, reflecting heat and significantly lowering indoor temperatures. It’s a simple idea with a big impact — families now report a noticeable drop in how hot their homes get during the day.

What drove this change: Staying indoors no longer feels like being in an oven. For families who can’t........

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