EMBRACE CHANGE FOSTER RESILIENCE #UnderTheUmbrella

As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels across India, the 2024 heatwave is wreaking havoc on communities nationwide. According to the latest report from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this year's heatwave has shattered records, with soaring temperatures posing a severe threat to public health and safety.​

With the temperature soaring in the National Capital Region as part of the #UnderTheUmbrella the SEEDS team has been on ground in Safeda Basti, Gandhi Nagar division, East Delhi organising a health camp on heatwave along with local health officials.

A special focus was on vulnerable communities such as women, children and senior citizens. Information about the health camp was given in the community by ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers. Most homes here are informal settlements and there is direct exposure to heat both during the day and through the night.

In Kishan Kunj, in the densely populated slums of Delhi (India), SEEDS is not only raising awareness but also empowering marginalised urban communities to withstand and adapt to the challenges posed by extreme heat events. With do-it-yourself tools, community involvement, and comprehensive education, empowered women taking agency into their own hands to tackle high temperatures in their community.

For example by repurposing old sarees and plastic bottles to create street shading structures. Slum households are equipped with innovative cool roofing technology. These roofs, featuring reflective insulation sheets, significantly reduce indoor temperatures. Noteworthy is the creation of a cooling shelter made from eco-friendly materials, where community members like rickshaw pullers, rag pickers and construction workers can find respite from the heat. A set of inspiring community-led initiatives to fostering a safer and cooler urban environment.

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