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 the 'garmi khata', or heat registry, these individuals are documenting their coping strategies and experiences with extreme temperatures. This project, led by Greenpeace India, aims to shed light on the diverse ways in which people in vulnerable communities are affected by heatwaves, going beyond mere meteorological data.
One of the participants, Gulshan, a 39-year-old mother of four, has been meticulously recording her family's struggles. She and her children have developed rashes and a skin infection due to the constant dampening of clothes to combat the heat. Gulshan's efforts are not in vain, as she hopes that her experiences will be read and considered by those in a position to make a difference.
The project's co-founder, Aravind Unni, an urban planner, emphasizes the importance of understanding the human element in heat planning. He highlights the vast differences in heat experiences based on factors like geography, income, occupation, and gender. By collecting these personal narratives, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between data and the lived experiences of people, especially those in marginalized communities.
Arshi, a 19-year-old student, shares her daily routine, which involves working from home and attending distance learning classes. She highlights the stark contrast between her humid living conditions and the air-conditioned spaces she occasionally accesses. The project's diary format allows for a comprehensive exploration of residents' lives, including their work, homes, moods, and families.
The initiative's findings have revealed startling disparities in land-surface temperatures across Delhi. For instance, an analysis by India Today found that the southwest district of Mahipalpur, near the airport, had an average temperature of nearly 44C, while just 2 miles away in Vasant Kunj, a leafy, upmarket suburb, the temperature was around 37C. These differences underscore the need for localized solutions that consider the unique challenges faced by different communities.
Workers like Raja, a 21-year-old street vendor, are particularly vulnerable to the heat. He experiences temperatures as high as 45C during peak summer months, leading to significant losses due to the quick spoilage of fresh produce. The lack of cooling sources in his home further exacerbates the situation, leaving him with no respite from the heat even at night.
The project's findings have been submitted to India's National Human Rights Commission, urging the recognition of extreme heat as a human rights issue. The team also plans to share the testimonies with policymakers and MPs to advocate for more targeted measures to protect people from heatwaves. Furthermore, they aim to use the evidence to support potential lawsuits, given the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling that recognizes the right to life, which includes protection from the adverse impacts of the climate crisis.
India's government has recently added heatwaves to the list of nationally notified disasters, allowing states to access emergency relief funds. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that these funds support local action guided by community participation. As one of the participants, Arshi, hopes, even small gestures from the government, such as addressing rising medical and electricity costs, would be a significant step towards recognizing the struggles of those affected by extreme heat.
