Delhi’s summer heat presents formidable challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups, according to the city’s heat action plan developed by the National Disaster Management Authority and released by the BJP government. Among those most affected are children, women, the elderly, construction workers, people with disabilities, and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Delhi’s Prem Bari bridge, a site where many construction workers like 50-year-old Jasoda labor daily, has been identified as one of ten hotspots susceptible to intense heat exposure.
Jasoda, originally from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, has witnessed summers grow increasingly unbearable over the past three decades. “Our throats dry up, we feel tired and faint, but this is our job and we don’t have any other option,” she explains, shading her head with her saree’s pallu. While contractors provide water, the absence of fans at construction sites means laborers endure sweltering conditions for over nine hours a day, beginning at 9 a.m.
The report highlights the intensified heat in urban zones like Jahangirpuri, characterized by asphalt surfaces, minimal vegetation, and constant emissions from traffic and industry, which turn these areas into heat traps. Raju Pal, a 47-year-old insurance employee from Jahangirpuri, attributes the escalating temperatures to unchecked urbanization. “There are no trees or parks in the area, which makes it hotter than other regions of the city,” he says, noting that his commute is often the most challenging part of his day.
Khayala, another identified hotspot, is home to Rajendri, a 50-year-old who runs a shoe repair business. Operating from a room with just a small fan, Rajendri struggles without air conditioning amidst frequent power outages. “My elderly mother falls sick this time every year,” she laments, illustrating the added risks faced by the elderly, who are cited in the plan as highly susceptible to heat due to lower cardiovascular efficiency.
Delhi’s heat action plan emerges as a crucial strategy in mitigating the risks faced by these communities. It underscores the need for increased access to green spaces and the implementation of infrastructure to support heat-affected individuals. Engaging residents and policymakers in this dialogue is vital to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Delhi’s population.
The article aims to engage citizens and policymakers alike, stressing the urgent need for solutions to combat the city’s escalating heat crisis, affecting both the vulnerable and the broader community. By understanding the gravity of the summer heat’s impact on daily life, the plan sets a foundation for essential policy initiatives and communal action to address this growing concern.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/power-cuts-concrete-jungles-make-intense-heat-spells-unbearable-for-the-marginalised-in-delhi/article69537862.ece
Category : Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-05-05 01:52:00
