Urban Heat & Housing

climate change

— Jayprakash Nayak · Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Khordha, Odisha

In this world, it's rather dangerously widespread because the Earth is on the path of global warming. We have destroyed trees and plants. As a result, this heat is unbearable not only for us but for everyone. And those who have money are fighting this heat with air conditioning. They are trying to adjust to the heat. In doing so, they are further warming the entire planet. As a result, poor people and the entire animal kingdom cannot tolerate this heat anymore. Consequently, most people are actually unable to adapt to this heat.

— Arani Biswas · Bally, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal

Women in rural and tribal areas of Odisha depend entirely on the environment for collecting firewood, drinking water, and forest products (e.g., tendu leaves, mahua). When the environment deteriorates, they have to work harder to get these things.Women are most affected during natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts. Environmental pollution or climate change makes their lifestyle difficult.

— Sonali Behera

climate change affects men and women differently. Women are more vulnerable, you know, they are more dependent on the natural resources, you know, they have a limited access to land, credit and technology.

— Monalisa Malla · Unit-9, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Khordha

We live in Uttarakhand, but we live in the plain area of Uttarakhand. It's not that cold here. The effect of heat is quite significant, and the house we have is, well, a kachcha (raw/unpaved) house with a tin roof. The tin gets very hot. So, what happens is we have to face a lot of heat, and we don't even have resources. There's one fan, and even that gives very cold air. There's no cooler or AC.

— Anshika Saxena · Kichha, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand

Kolkata city is now one of the hottest cities in the world. As a result, it's impossible to adapt to this heat. A city without trees and without water bodies. Adapting to the heat there is just impossible. One who has money can try to adapt with AC, but AC ultimately makes the city even hotter. So I am not in favor of AC. I am trying to adapt.

— Arani Biswas · Bally, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal

Climate-induced migration has emerged as one of Odisha's most pressing socio-economic challenges, intensified by weakened legal safeguards for migrant workers. Women migrants are disproportionately affected, often bearing the responsibility of sustaining households when male earners migrate. While integrated rural livelihood schemes in pilot regions have shown success in reducing migration within just three years, stakeholders continue to stress the urgent need for stronger portability of essential services such as food, healthcare, and education across key migration corridors.

— Aastha Mishra

High temperatures, especially above 36°C, increase the risk of death for the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions. Rising temperatures prolong the lifespan of mosquitoes that transmit dengue and malaria, increasing disease transmission. High humidity reduces the body's ability to dissipate heat, increasing health risks. In this situation, innovative, stable, and future-oriented strategies capable of addressing climate change are extremely necessary to help keep society safe and resilient.

— Surukuni Chapeyar

Communities are increasingly mindful about the risks involved and low returns from nature based livelihood given the changes in climate.

— Aastha Mishra

Due to living conditions

— Sunita Kumari · Ghorawal, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh

- Rising temperatures – Heatwaves are longer and hotter, stressing ecosystems and pushing many species toward the brink. 6. Climate‑resilient infrastructure – Build flood barriers, upgrade water management, and plan cities for higher temperatures.

— PRADEEP KUMAR KANHAR · Rourkela, Sundargarh, Odisha

We feel more stressed nowadays because the heat is increasing. The sun is getting stronger, and rain is happening untimely.

— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand

For us, the biggest problem this year was more about power cuts than the heat. When the temperature rose very high, often there was no electricity for hours. Fans, coolers, everything would stop, and it became difficult to sit inside the house. Even at night, we couldn't sleep properly, which caused problems in working the next day. To escape the heat, we kept drinking water repeatedly, used wet towels, and stayed in the shade as much as possible. But due to lack of electricity, children, the elderly, and sick people faced the most difficulty. Many times, the water supply was also affected, which further increased the problems. We feel that along with increasing heat, it is very important for the electricity system to be strengthened. If there is continuous electricity, people can get relief from the heat and daily life can become a bit easier.

— Kumari Ankita · Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh

House-helpThe commute to Dum Dum Metro station in the morning already feels punishing by eight o'clock. The heat this year is more humid than dry which makes it significantly worse. One issue I have noticed is that there is almost no shade along the main roads leading to the station no trees, no bus shelter roofing, nothing. People are standing in direct sun waiting for buses or autos. A practical community solution would be for the RWA or local club to petition the municipality for temporary shade structures or green canopy plantings along the most used pedestrian routes. Urban tree planting is a long-term solution but shade nets along footpaths could be implemented quickly and cheaply. I would happily contribute to a crowdfunded effort if someone organized it.

— Yuvikaa Agarwal · Sarjapura, Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka

This summer has been really tough in the afternoons. My house gets extremely hot. We often have power cuts which makes it hard to use fans or coolers. I drink buttermilk and coconut water to stay cool. I keep the windows open for air to come in. But in the afternoon the air was also hot. My kids often get headaches and dehydration. Feel tired after playing outside. We try to avoid going out when the sun's, at its peak level. The fact that there are not trees and green spaces around here makes the heat feel even worse. It is uncomfortable for my children to play outside. They get tired very quickly. I have to take care of them.

— Rohan Shinde · Boorakunte, Sarjapura, Bengaluru Urban

Palwinder Singh | 45 yrs I am a Vet, and I have noticed that this year heat has been particularly hard on animals and birds. I have seen many cases of animals suffering health issues because of this. I too feel very uncomfortable while working in so much heat. At home and in car because of Air conditioning it is fine but otherwise the weather is harsh enough to avoid leaving home. I drink as much water as possible to avoid fainting and avoid going in direct sunlight wihout protective cover.

— Harmanjot Kaur · Rajgarh, Barnala, Punjab

Balwinder Kaur | 46 yrs The heat is very harsh this summer. I work as the health supervisor and there is an increase in heat strokes. Many people have started to take ORS as a preventive measure as well. I try to drink as much water as possible to deal with the heat. I also use a cold cloth to cool down sometimes. Other than that AC usage is very high for us. How ever rain sometimes provide respite from the heat.

— Harmanjot Kaur · Rajgarh, Barnala, Punjab

Nowadays, minds are more stressed than before. Forests, heat, everything is increasing. Forests are also being cut, and the heat is rising.

— Kachala Choudhary

I spend most of my time at home these days, but even indoors I have felt that this summer was unusually hot. Earlier, mornings and evenings used to be pleasant, but now the heat seems to continue well into the night. At my age, hot weather can be uncomfortable and sometimes affects sleep. I avoid going outside during the afternoon and keep the curtains closed on the side where the sunlight enters directly. I drink plenty of water, tender coconut water when available, and eat lighter meals. This also causes weight loss because sometimes I cannot eat because of the heat, which becomes difficult to manage. Every year the summers seem to become a little harsher. Many elderly people may find it difficult to cope if this trend continues.

— Sanjukta Chanda · Kuthambakkam, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu

Today, significant changes are being observed in the forests of our region. Forests are being cut down, leading to climate change. Rain is occurring at irregular times. Agriculture is also being affected.

— Sunil oraon · Ranchi, Jharkhand

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— Debendra Suna

Climate resilient agriculture

— Common Ground · Phiringia, Kandhamal, Odisha

This year our village experienced extreme heat. Especially during the afternoon, the sun was very strong. Due to the heat, it became difficult to do household chores. Power outages were also very frequent in our village, which caused us a lot of trouble. Many wells in our village also dry up in summer, so there is a big problem with water. Many times we have to go far for water. To stay cool, we used to drink cold water from earthen pots. We also had to do farm work only from 5 AM to 10 AM, as it was not possible to work in the scorching afternoon sun. To keep the house a bit cool, we put tree branches on the roof. This reduces direct sunlight and makes the house feel a bit cooler. This is how we cope with the heat.

— Pragati Raut · Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra

This year, it was very hot in our village. Especially during the afternoon, the sun was very intense. Due to the heat, it became difficult to do household chores. There were also frequent power cuts in our village, which caused us a lot of trouble. Many wells in our village also dry up during the summers, so there's a big problem with water. Many times, we have to go far to fetch water. To stay cool, we used to drink cold water from earthen pots. We also had to do farm work only from 5 AM to 10 AM, as it wasn't possible to work in the intense afternoon sun. To keep the house a bit cool, we put tree branches on the roof. This reduces direct sunlight and makes the house feel a bit cooler. This is how we cope with the heat.

— Pragati Raut · Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra

What is the reason for climate change?

— Kachala Choudhary

This summer has been hotter than usual. This year we experienced more heat waves. We also stopped agriculture in summer due to the unavailability of water for irrigation. This somewhat impacted our economy, which had been a source of external income. During the day, we drink mango and tamarind juice, which helps us maintain our body temperature.

— Anish Toppo · Raiboga, Sundargarh, Odisha

This time, the heat has broken all old records. There's a lot of hot wind blowing here and the sun is so intense that it's become difficult to leave the house. My experience has been exhausting. Working in the heat and going out somewhere is very difficult, and in the summer, electricity often goes out due to storms. As soon as the power goes out, half the work stops, and fans don't run. Farms need water, and due to power outages, they don't get it on time. Many diseases occur in summer. People fall ill due to the sun, and because of the intense heat, they can't even go to the hospital. Animals also remain sick and don't eat properly.

— Kumari Ankita · Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh

I come from Assam. I have to say that Bengaluru was really hot this year. The temperature was high at night. I always carry a water bottle with me. I try to stay inside when it is the hottest part of the day. Many students get tired when they are going to college especially when they are on buses. There are not places to wait in the shade at the bus stops so it is not very comfortable to commute. The heat in Bengaluru has changed my routine and it is harder for me to focus I get tired really fast. Bengaluru heat is something that I am still getting used to. It is affecting my life in many ways like my daily routine and my concentration, in Bengaluru.

— Rohan Shinde · Boorakunte, Sarjapura, Bengaluru Urban

Response 1: Kannur is always humid but this year was something else. Even the nights were hot which is unusual here. I'm near the coast so we usually get some breeze but this summer even that wasn't enough. Had to stop my evening walks completely and my blood pressure was acting up because of the heat. Response 2: Our house is near Thavakkara and it felt suffocating this summer. No breeze, high humidity. I borrowed a cooler from my cousin just to sleep at night. Power cuts in the evening made it even worse. I've been drinking tender coconut water almost every day just to cope. Response 3: The KSRTC bus commute to Kannur town in the afternoon is really awful. No ventilation, packed with people. I've started leaving office early just to avoid peak heat. My younger sister had a headache and vomiting last month turned out to be a mild heatstroke. This summer has been genuinely difficult for everyone here

— Shalin Sanish · Kannur, Kerala

My name is Thuli Sabe Mallick. Brahmani Gumandi Panchayat, Jhijhiriguda Block, Daringbadi. I am a Thuli woman. It is very hot in the forest now. It is not raining at the right time. We are feeling the heat.

— SUBASH SABHASUNDAR · Gajapati, Odisha

For people like us who work outdoors, this summer has been very challenging. Most of my work involves moving around the apartment complex, checking pumps, cleaning areas, and handling repairs. During the afternoon, the concrete and metal surfaces become extremely hot. By noon, you can feel the heat reflecting from the ground itself. We try to start some of the heavier work earlier in the morning before the sun becomes too strong. I drink a lot of water and buttermilk during the day and take short breaks in shaded areas whenever possible. The heat has definitely increased compared to what I remember from a few years ago.

— Sanjukta Chanda · Kuthambakkam, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu

This summer has been quite difficult, especially because I spend a lot of time travelling between college, hospitals, and coaching classes. The heat feels much more intense than previous years. Even short walks in the afternoon can be exhausting. What I've noticed is that many people underestimate the effects of dehydration. In the hospital, we often see patients with dizziness, headaches, or heat-related illnesses. Personally, I carry a water bottle everywhere and try to drink fluids regularly, even when I'm not thirsty. I also avoid going out during peak afternoon hours whenever possible. The heat has definitely made studying and concentrating harder because it can be very draining physically.

— Sanjukta Chanda · Kuthambakkam, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu

My name is Bishnu Rohit. Village Rangaguda, Panchayat Bamunia, Block Jarimadi, District Kandhamal. I see that the current environment is very dire, as it is not raining at the right time because forests are being destroyed. Therefore, I request the government to build small check dams in every village so that we can get water for irrigation. It is a humble request for the government to pay attention to this.

— SUBASH SABHASUNDAR · Gajapati, Odisha

Response 1 - Farmer:This summer has been much hotter than usual. Working in the fields during the afternoon is difficult, so we start work early in the morning and finish before the heat becomes too strong. We drink plenty of water and buttermilk to stay hydrated.Response 2 – Homemaker:The heat inside the house has been uncomfortable, especially in the afternoons. We keep children indoors, drink more water, buttermilk, and tender coconut water, and use fans throughout the day. This summer feels hotter than previous years.Response 3 – Shopkeeper:Customer visits are lower during the afternoon because most people prefer to stay indoors. People usually come to the market in the morning or evening. Many customers say this has been one of the hottest summers in recent years.

— Devadharshini S · Kappalur, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

This summer is very difficult because of the extreme heat. During the afternoon, it is hard to go outside and do daily work comfortably. To deal with the heat, I make sure to drink plenty of water and traditional drinks like sattu and buttermilk. I also try to go out only in the morning or evening when the temperature is lower.

— Sahil Singh · Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

We experience a lot of heat here, and even though we are in Uttarakhand, we have to endure a lot of heat. And to protect ourselves from the heat, we drink more and more water and sometimes sit under trees. And we try to drink more cold water so that we don't feel the heat and don't wander much outside, staying around the house. Drink cold water.

— Anshika Saxena · Kichha, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand

In our village, the cold season has increased, due to which it is extremely cold, and so we warm ourselves by burning wood.

— Ram Maravi · Mandla, Madhya Pradesh

Climate change is a phenomenon that combines social, political, and ethical issues, rather than just environmental. Hence, it is ethically an impact. It highlights that those who contributed least to global warming, like poor and slum communities and developing nations, often suffer the worst consequences. Second is women. It connects environmental degradation to human rights, social equity, and historical responsibility. The solution is this: It advocates for fair sharing of both the burden of climate change and the cost of transitioning to the clear economy. Thank you. I am.

— Saucy Meerkat · Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

In the present era, due to unseasonal weather, the yield of agricultural crops has decreased.

— Padmalochan Majhi · Ratachua, Rayagada, Odisha

This is too late for the monsoons to arrive. This is a dangerous trend. If the 65% failure that has been predicted for monsoons becomes a reality, have you thought about the impact on the environment? With so many cities dependent on fresh water, it's going to be a catastrophe. Plus, the government is on rampage cutting environment, cutting trees to build different more buildings and like, you know, factories, etc. Uh, so without trees and everything, how is the system going to work? Plus these global wars, bombs. So just like it's what is what we are doing to the environment is completely unpredictable and the most valuable resources we have of natural climate cycles are being completely disrupted, which is a very dangerous situation we are in. So it all depends on if we get rain this time or not.

— Shram · Panvel, Raigad, Maharashtra