In the scorching heat of Delhi, a group of residents from the Sunder Nagri slum are sharing their stories of survival. Through a unique initiative called 'garmi khata', or heat registry, these individuals are documenting their experiences of coping with extreme temperatures. This personal approach to data collection offers a more nuanced understanding of how heat affects different communities, shedding light on the often-overlooked human element in heat planning.
The initiative, led by urban planner Aravind Unni and Greenpeace India researcher Nibedita Saha, encourages residents to write about their daily routines, work, homes, moods, and families. By doing so, they provide valuable insights into the diverse ways heat impacts people's lives. For instance, Arshi, a 19-year-old student, describes the challenges of living in a humid one-room home with five family members, while also working to support her family. The ambient air temperature inside her home is 29.3C (85F), but with a relative humidity of 84.6%, the 'feels-like' temperature is a sweltering 36.3C (97F).
The heat diaries also highlight the stark differences in heat experiences across Delhi. For example, an analysis by India Today found that the southwest district of Mahipalpur, near the airport, had an average land-surface temperature of nearly 44C, compared to about 37C in the leafy, upmarket suburb of Vasant Kunj, just 2 miles away. This disparity underscores the importance of considering geographical, socioeconomic, and cultural factors when addressing heat-related challenges.
One of the key findings of the project is the significant impact of heat on vulnerable populations, such as street vendors like Raja. During peak summer months, he experiences temperatures as high as 45C while selling vegetables from his pushcart. The fresh produce spoils quickly, leading to financial losses, and the narrowing gap between day and night temperatures means he gets no respite from the heat, even at night. This highlights the need for targeted public policies that address the unique challenges faced by these workers.
The residents of Sunder Nagri have taken proactive steps to mitigate the heat, such as mapping heat indices within their neighborhood and finding pragmatic solutions like shade, water sources, and increased greenery. However, Unni points out that Indian cities often lack the administrative capacity and infrastructure to implement decentralized heat action plans. This is where the heat diaries and community heat mapping come in, as they can help inform urban resilience policy and advocate for more effective measures to protect people from extreme heat.
The project has already made an impact by submitting the diaries to India's National Human Rights Commission, urging them to recognize extreme heat as a human rights issue. The team also plans to share the testimonies with ministries, policymakers, and MPs to push for more targeted measures. Furthermore, they are working to develop the testimonies into evidence of impacts and injuries that could be used for lawsuits, given the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling that protection from the most adverse impacts of the climate crisis forms part of the right to life.
On August 4, India's government added heatwaves to the list of nationally notified disasters, allowing states to access emergency relief funds. Unni and Farooq hope that this decision will enable local action guided by community participation. Arshi, for her part, feels more hopeful after the new guidelines, expressing the desire for the government to recognize the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and provide support.
In conclusion, the heat registry project in Delhi is a powerful example of how personal stories and community engagement can drive meaningful change in addressing extreme heat. By sharing their experiences, these residents are not only documenting their own survival strategies but also advocating for a more equitable and resilient future for all.
