June 23, 2026

June 2026

“Koi mat aana yaha pe”…Kedarnath Dham pilgrim shares her harrowing experience of visiting Kedarnath Dham |

“Koi mat aana yaha pe”…Kedarnath Dham pilgrim shares her harrowing experience of visiting Kedarnath Dham |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Kedarnath Dham pilgrim shares her harrowing experience An Indian traveller’s experience of her recent pilgrimage to Kedarnath Yatra is receiving attention among travellers for reasons other than the actual destination; rather, due to the difficulties which she has encountered during her journey.In one of her videos posted online, she states that she had made extensive…

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. NEW DELHI: India is learning to live with a hotter future. From Delhi to Mumbai, temperatures are regularly crossing 45 degrees Celsius, heatwaves are lasting longer and cities are becoming giant heat traps due to rapid urbanisation and the growing urban heat island effect.But if there is one thing Indians are famous for, it is finding a jugaad for every problem. Whether it is a broken machine, a TV remote held together with tape or now beating the scorching summer, someone somewhere is always coming up with a clever fix. Watch India Battles Extreme Heatwave As Record Power Demand Pushes Electricity Grid Under Severe StressAs heatwaves tighten their grip across the country, India is responding with a mix of traditional wisdom, grassroots innovation and cutting-edge technology.From water-powered crates that keep vegetables fresh without electricity to cooling vests for delivery riders, a wave of homegrown solutions is emerging.What may look like simple DIYs are increasingly becoming important tools in the fight against extreme summers.In a country where necessity has always been the mother of invention, the battle against extreme heat is producing some of the most creative desi jugaads yet.The human cost of rising temperaturesIf India’s heatwave story is about rising temperatures, it is also about shrinking comfort, patience and productivity. Extreme heat is no longer just an environmental problem; it is increasingly becoming a health, economic and social crisis that affects nearly every aspect of daily life.For millions of outdoor workers from delivery riders and construction labourers to street vendors and traffic police personnel, stepping out in the afternoon can feel like walking into an oven.While many of us escape the heat inside air-conditioned offices, homes and malls, millions of Indians have no such luxury.Delivery riders, traffic police personnel, street vendors and construction workers spend six to eight hours outdoors every day, navigating roads where surface temperatures can soar beyond 45 degrees Celsius..The risks go far beyond discomfort. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke have become growing concerns, forcing authorities to issue repeated warnings and activate heat action plans.A hot day can leave people feeling drained, but weeks of relentless heat can quietly chip away at productivity, decision-making and overall well-being.The economic consequences are equally alarming. Workers often need to slow down, take longer breaks or avoid peak afternoon hours altogether..Businesses face productivity losses, while sectors dependent on outdoor labour, including construction, agriculture and logistics, bear the brunt of extreme weather.Heat is also taking a toll on food supply chains, with millions of tonnes of fruits and vegetables lost every year due to spoilage.Back to the roots: India’s old cooling wisdom finds new fansLong before air-conditioners, smart thermostats and energy-efficient buildings entered our lives, Indians had their own ways of staying cool. Many of those solutions were born not in laboratories but in villages, farms and homes where people learned to work with nature rather than against it.As temperatures continue to climb and cooling systems become increasingly expensive, several of these age-old ideas are quietly making a comeback.In many ways, the heatwave is triggering a return to roots. Copper water bottles that once sat in grandparents’ kitchens are now sold as premium wellness and sustainable products..Earthen pots, clay utensils and traditional storage containers, long dismissed as relics of another era are increasingly finding space in modern urban homes.What was once seen as old-fashioned is being rediscovered as sustainable, practical and surprisingly effective..The same thinking is also inspiring new-age adaptations. One example is the so-called ‘desi fridge’, a portable cooling crate that uses the simple science of evaporative cooling to keep fruits and vegetables fresh without electricity.By using water instead of compressors, such innovations offer farmers, street vendors and small traders a low-cost way to reduce spoilage during the hottest months of the year.The principle itself is hardly new. For generations, Indians have relied on clay-based coolers, earthen storage systems and porous terracotta vessels that naturally lower temperatures as water evaporates.Perhaps no traditional cooling method has generated as much conversation recently as cow-dung plaster. The practice returned to the spotlight after a Delhi University principal was seen coating classroom walls with cow dung as part of an experiment aimed at reducing indoor heat.Across rural India, homes have long used cow dung mixed with mud to plaster floors and walls, creating a natural insulating layer that helps keep interiors cooler during summer and warmer during winter.Experts experimenting with eco-friendly construction materials are now revisiting these traditional techniques. Cow-dung-based plasters, natural bricks and other bio-based materials are being studied as low-cost alternatives that could reduce heat absorption while lowering the environmental footprint of buildings.Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Indian homes were designed to stay comfortable in extreme weather with minimal energy consumption.The growing interest in these practices reflects a broader shift in how India is approaching a warming future.Sometimes the answer lies in cutting-edge technology. Sometimes it lies in a clay pot, a shaded courtyard or a centuries-old building technique. In the race to stay cool, India is discovering that some of its oldest ideas may still be among its smartest.The future of cooling is wearableIf one set of solutions is looking to the past, another is looking straight into the future. As temperatures climb and outdoor workers spend longer hours under the sun, a growing number of innovators are trying to solve a simple problem: what if people could carry their own cooling system with them?The idea is gaining traction across India, particularly among those who cannot escape the heat. Delivery riders, construction workers, traffic police personnel and street vendors often spend entire shifts outdoors, making them some of the most vulnerable victims of extreme temperatures.One of the most visible examples is the rise of cooling vests. Food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy have begun trial of special jackets designed to lower body temperatures without electricity or batteries.Zomato recently announced that more than 2,500 delivery partners across 14 cities will test specially designed cooling vests this summer..The vests work on evaporative cooling technology, the same principle that cools the body when sweat evaporates. After being soaked in water, they can reduce body temperature by several degrees for hours, offering much-needed relief during punishing summer afternoons.The technology may sound simple, but its impact can be significant. For riders navigating traffic in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, even a few degrees of cooling can make long shifts more manageable and reduce the risk of heat stress.Researchers are also exploring ways to protect one of the body’s most heat-sensitive organs, the eyes. Scientists at IIT Indore have developed cooling goggles designed to reduce heat exposure around the eyes and forehead, potentially helping people who work outdoors for prolonged periods.Such innovations are still evolving, but they signal a major shift.Then there is the futuristic idea that has captured public imagination: the AC helmet. While most cooling helmets currently available in India rely on built-in fans rather than actual air-conditioning systems, they are increasingly being tested by traffic personnel and riders who spend hours on scorching roads.Premium imported models claim to lower temperatures inside the helmet, though high costs remain a barrier to widespread adoption.Recognising the growing threat posed by heatwaves, some police departments have also started experimenting with cooling gear.In Tamil Nadu, traffic personnel have been provided AC helmets alongside hydration support, ORS packets and mobile relief units to help them cope with extreme summer conditions.Whether through a cooling vest, a smarter helmet or the next generation of personal cooling devices, the goal remains the same: helping people stay safe, productive and comfortable in a world that is getting hotter by the year.Are AC helmets really the answer?The idea sounds futuristic: a helmet that can cool your head while riding through a 45°C afternoon. But on the ground, the reality is more complicated.A traffic cop in Chennai says the toughest moments are often not while riding, but while standing at traffic junctions.“During peak afternoons, road-surface temperatures on stretches such as OMR, GST Road and around Koyambedu can climb beyond 45°C, turning even a 90- to 120-second signal wait into an uncomfortable experience,” a traffic cop from Chennai told TOI.While AC helmets are slowly making their way into the market, they are not yet a practical solution for everyone.Affordable models mostly rely on built-in fans for ventilation, while advanced cooling helmets remain expensive and are often weighed down by battery and maintenance requirements.“Most AC helmets sold in India are fan-cooled models costing Rs 300–Rs 5,000. Imported thermoelectric cooling helmets sold in Chennai superbike stores cost Rs 40,000–Rs 80,000 and they claim to reduce inside temperature by nearly 10°C,” he added.As a result, many riders, delivery workers and traffic personnel continue to rely on simpler solutions such as ventilated helmets, cooling liners, hydration packs and frequent water breaks.Avadi city police in Chennai has also started distributing AC helmets alongside buttermilk, ORS packets and drinking water to personnel stationed on roads during extreme heat.‘Jugaads’ against 45°CWhen temperatures cross 45°C, survival itself becomes an innovation challenge. And if there is one thing India excels at, it is finding low-cost fixes long before formal solutions arrive.Across cities and villages, people are turning everyday materials into makeshift cooling systems.In parts of Delhi, Lucknow and Jaipur, auto-rickshaw drivers have been spotted lining the roofs of their vehicles with grass mats, straw layers and coconut-thatch coverings to keep the metal body from turning into an oven..Some have even installed water-soaked khus curtains that create a natural cooling effect as air passes through them.The same ingenuity can be seen among taxi drivers. In Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai, many keep wet towels on dashboards, use reflective windshield covers during parking breaks, place ice packs near air vents or hang damp cloth screens near windows to improve airflow.Then there was Gurugram’s viral ‘AC Auto’. Equipped with a working air-conditioner inside an electric rickshaw, the vehicle became an internet sensation as users joked that Gurgaon was ‘living in 2050’.In homes, markets and roadside shops, the hacks continue. In heat-hit towns across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, water sprinklers are used on tin roofs to lower surface temperatures.Shopkeepers cover roofs with wet gunny sacks, while residents install temporary bamboo screens and straw panels on terraces to reduce heat absorption. Earthen pots filled with water are often placed near entrances to cool incoming air naturally.What makes these solutions remarkable is not technological sophistication but accessibility. Most require little money, no electricity and materials that are readily available.Sometimes the battle against a heatwave begins not in a laboratory or boardroom, but with a bucket of water, a bundle of straw and a bit of classic Indian jugaad.Reimagining buildings and public spacesFor decades, India’s response to heat has largely remained focused on drinking more water, staying indoors and avoiding the afternoon sun.But as temperatures continue to rise, experts say the bigger challenge lies outside our homes: redesigning the spaces where people live, work and commute.Cities are increasingly realising that concrete, glass and asphalt do not just absorb heat, they trap it. This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island effect, can make densely built neighbourhoods several degrees hotter than surrounding areas.In Mumbai, some hotspots identified under the city’s climate action plan have recorded temperatures up to 8°C higher than greener localities.To counter this, authorities are beginning to rethink the very surfaces that cover India’s cities. One of the most ambitious examples comes from Mumbai, where the civic body has launched a cool-roof programme that will coat hundreds of municipal school buildings with heat-reflective paint.The specialised coating reflects a significant portion of incoming solar radiation, helping reduce roof temperatures and making classrooms more comfortable for students without relying on energy-intensive air-conditioning.Scientists are also pushing the boundaries of what a coat of paint can achieve. Researchers in Australia recently unveiled a nano-engineered ‘smart paint’ capable of reflecting up to 97% of sunlight.The experimental coating not only keeps surfaces dramatically cooler but can also harvest water from the atmosphere through condensation. While still under development, it offers a glimpse into how future buildings may actively fight heat rather than simply endure it.At the same time, cities are revisiting age-old urban planning principles. Increasing tree cover, creating shaded pedestrian corridors, using heat-reflective construction materials, preserving open spaces and improving airflow between buildings are all becoming part of the climate-resilience conversation. The goal is not merely to cool individual buildings but entire neighbourhoods.‘Desi jugaads’ that went viralA viral video shows a man beating India’s brutal 44°C heat by turning his rooftop into a barefoot-friendly surface using just Rs 800 worth of materials — a simple mix of chuna (lime), binder and waterproofing compound. The result is striking: roof temperatures reportedly drop from heat-trap levels to around 28–30°C.At several Indian railway stations, where heat and pollution push conditions to extreme levels, authorities are now spraying water from rooftop systems to bring down temperatures and offer commuters a brief moment of relief on scorching platforms.A viral desi innovation shows a man transforming his motorcycle into a fully covered mini-canopy ride with built-in shade and even a fire safety system turning extreme heat and rain into a comfortable journey. This proves once again that in India, jugaad engineering often beats expensive upgrades in pure creativity and practicality.These innovations show that Indians don’t just face problems, they instinctively build solutions for almost every challenge life throws at them.Beyond gadgets: What governments need to doExperts increasingly argue that adapting to extreme heat cannot be left to individual workers alone.Several cities have already begun experimenting with heat-action measures. Delhi has deployed mobile heat-relief vans carrying drinking water, ORS packets, first-aid supplies and protective gear in heat-prone locations.E-commerce and food delivery platforms have started setting up shaded rest centres, hydration points and air-cooled break zones for delivery partners.Some companies have introduced cooling jackets, ventilated gear and job rotation systems to reduce prolonged exposure during peak heat hours. These measures are increasingly seen not as perks, but as basic operational necessity.However, public health experts say a broader response is needed as heatwaves become more frequent and intense. This includes:Expanding shaded shelters and cooling centres in markets, transport hubs and labour zones.Mandating rest breaks and revised work timings for outdoor workers during peak afternoon hours.Installing public drinking-water stations in high-footfall areas.Increasing urban tree cover and heat-resilient infrastructure.Promoting cool roofs and heat-reflective building materials.Strengthening heatwave warning systems and public awareness campaigns.In other words, while cooling helmets, jackets and vests may help individuals beat the heat, the larger battle will be won through city-wide planning.As temperatures continue to rise, the challenge is no longer simply staying comfortable, it is making sure people can work, travel and live safely in a much hotter India.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. Her work focuses on the latest political events, in-depth explainers, features, offbeat articles and viral social media trending stories.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThe Untold Story Of The CIA, The T-72 Tank And Delhi Gymkhana ClubUS Immigration Crackdown: 30 Indian Truckers Arrested In Operation Checkmate’We Reached 207 Without Imports’: Bengal BJP Shuts Door On TMC Leaders Ahead Of 2026 PollsMamata Faces Fresh Challenge As TMC MLAs Rally Behind Rebel Ritabrata Banerjee | WatchCentre Can Take Back Leased Land For Public Interest, Says Khattar; Delhi Plan Soon?Shashi Tharoor Calls Full Vande Mataram Rendition At Official Events An “Unnecessary Imposition”Maharashtra 2022 Replay In Bengal? TMC Faces Growing SpeculationYogi Adityanath Issues Strong Warning Over Gau Mata Posts During BakridBengal’s Cut Money Storm: Villagers Receive Cash Back From TMC WorkersLadakh Autonomy Row Deepens As Wangchuk Flags Draft Gaps, Signals Protest Escalation123PhotostoriesShah Rukh Khan, Virat Kohli, and more: 6 inspiring life lessons from global icons every child should learn earlyWhen friends become snakes in relationships: 5 signs to watch out forLong before self-love became a trend, Sushmita Sen practiced it: 5 traits that continue to inspire young womenThe forgotten Indian herbs your grandparents grew that modern kitchens need again4 warning signs most men ignore until it’s too late: US heart surgeon Jeremy London on early health red flagsFrom bird feeders to herb gardens: 7 ways to repurpose old flower pots7 of the cutest animals on earth (and why they’re so irresistible)You can be thin, but still clinically obese: BMI underestimates obesity levels, says studyWhy cardiologists are seeing more 25-45-year-olds with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeatsHow to stop hair colour from fading quickly123Hot PicksSrinagar airportTN private schoolsShanimol OsmanCUET UG admit cardSouth Korea stock marketITR filing FY 2025-26Dave FijiTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtIPL Awards Full ListBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card

. NEW DELHI: India is learning to live with a hotter future. From Delhi to Mumbai, temperatures are regularly crossing 45 degrees Celsius, heatwaves are lasting longer and cities are becoming giant heat traps due to rapid urbanisation and the growing urban heat island effect.But if there is one thing Indians are famous for, it is finding a jugaad for every problem. Whether it is a broken machine, a TV remote held together with tape or now beating the scorching summer, someone somewhere is always coming up with a clever fix. Watch India Battles Extreme Heatwave As Record Power Demand Pushes Electricity Grid Under Severe StressAs heatwaves tighten their grip across the country, India is responding with a mix of traditional wisdom, grassroots innovation and cutting-edge technology.From water-powered crates that keep vegetables fresh without electricity to cooling vests for delivery riders, a wave of homegrown solutions is emerging.What may look like simple DIYs are increasingly becoming important tools in the fight against extreme summers.In a country where necessity has always been the mother of invention, the battle against extreme heat is producing some of the most creative desi jugaads yet.The human cost of rising temperaturesIf India’s heatwave story is about rising temperatures, it is also about shrinking comfort, patience and productivity. Extreme heat is no longer just an environmental problem; it is increasingly becoming a health, economic and social crisis that affects nearly every aspect of daily life.For millions of outdoor workers from delivery riders and construction labourers to street vendors and traffic police personnel, stepping out in the afternoon can feel like walking into an oven.While many of us escape the heat inside air-conditioned offices, homes and malls, millions of Indians have no such luxury.Delivery riders, traffic police personnel, street vendors and construction workers spend six to eight hours outdoors every day, navigating roads where surface temperatures can soar beyond 45 degrees Celsius..The risks go far beyond discomfort. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke have become growing concerns, forcing authorities to issue repeated warnings and activate heat action plans.A hot day can leave people feeling drained, but weeks of relentless heat can quietly chip away at productivity, decision-making and overall well-being.The economic consequences are equally alarming. Workers often need to slow down, take longer breaks or avoid peak afternoon hours altogether..Businesses face productivity losses, while sectors dependent on outdoor labour, including construction, agriculture and logistics, bear the brunt of extreme weather.Heat is also taking a toll on food supply chains, with millions of tonnes of fruits and vegetables lost every year due to spoilage.Back to the roots: India’s old cooling wisdom finds new fansLong before air-conditioners, smart thermostats and energy-efficient buildings entered our lives, Indians had their own ways of staying cool. Many of those solutions were born not in laboratories but in villages, farms and homes where people learned to work with nature rather than against it.As temperatures continue to climb and cooling systems become increasingly expensive, several of these age-old ideas are quietly making a comeback.In many ways, the heatwave is triggering a return to roots. Copper water bottles that once sat in grandparents’ kitchens are now sold as premium wellness and sustainable products..Earthen pots, clay utensils and traditional storage containers, long dismissed as relics of another era are increasingly finding space in modern urban homes.What was once seen as old-fashioned is being rediscovered as sustainable, practical and surprisingly effective..The same thinking is also inspiring new-age adaptations. One example is the so-called ‘desi fridge’, a portable cooling crate that uses the simple science of evaporative cooling to keep fruits and vegetables fresh without electricity.By using water instead of compressors, such innovations offer farmers, street vendors and small traders a low-cost way to reduce spoilage during the hottest months of the year.The principle itself is hardly new. For generations, Indians have relied on clay-based coolers, earthen storage systems and porous terracotta vessels that naturally lower temperatures as water evaporates.Perhaps no traditional cooling method has generated as much conversation recently as cow-dung plaster. The practice returned to the spotlight after a Delhi University principal was seen coating classroom walls with cow dung as part of an experiment aimed at reducing indoor heat.Across rural India, homes have long used cow dung mixed with mud to plaster floors and walls, creating a natural insulating layer that helps keep interiors cooler during summer and warmer during winter.Experts experimenting with eco-friendly construction materials are now revisiting these traditional techniques. Cow-dung-based plasters, natural bricks and other bio-based materials are being studied as low-cost alternatives that could reduce heat absorption while lowering the environmental footprint of buildings.Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Indian homes were designed to stay comfortable in extreme weather with minimal energy consumption.The growing interest in these practices reflects a broader shift in how India is approaching a warming future.Sometimes the answer lies in cutting-edge technology. Sometimes it lies in a clay pot, a shaded courtyard or a centuries-old building technique. In the race to stay cool, India is discovering that some of its oldest ideas may still be among its smartest.The future of cooling is wearableIf one set of solutions is looking to the past, another is looking straight into the future. As temperatures climb and outdoor workers spend longer hours under the sun, a growing number of innovators are trying to solve a simple problem: what if people could carry their own cooling system with them?The idea is gaining traction across India, particularly among those who cannot escape the heat. Delivery riders, construction workers, traffic police personnel and street vendors often spend entire shifts outdoors, making them some of the most vulnerable victims of extreme temperatures.One of the most visible examples is the rise of cooling vests. Food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy have begun trial of special jackets designed to lower body temperatures without electricity or batteries.Zomato recently announced that more than 2,500 delivery partners across 14 cities will test specially designed cooling vests this summer..The vests work on evaporative cooling technology, the same principle that cools the body when sweat evaporates. After being soaked in water, they can reduce body temperature by several degrees for hours, offering much-needed relief during punishing summer afternoons.The technology may sound simple, but its impact can be significant. For riders navigating traffic in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, even a few degrees of cooling can make long shifts more manageable and reduce the risk of heat stress.Researchers are also exploring ways to protect one of the body’s most heat-sensitive organs, the eyes. Scientists at IIT Indore have developed cooling goggles designed to reduce heat exposure around the eyes and forehead, potentially helping people who work outdoors for prolonged periods.Such innovations are still evolving, but they signal a major shift.Then there is the futuristic idea that has captured public imagination: the AC helmet. While most cooling helmets currently available in India rely on built-in fans rather than actual air-conditioning systems, they are increasingly being tested by traffic personnel and riders who spend hours on scorching roads.Premium imported models claim to lower temperatures inside the helmet, though high costs remain a barrier to widespread adoption.Recognising the growing threat posed by heatwaves, some police departments have also started experimenting with cooling gear.In Tamil Nadu, traffic personnel have been provided AC helmets alongside hydration support, ORS packets and mobile relief units to help them cope with extreme summer conditions.Whether through a cooling vest, a smarter helmet or the next generation of personal cooling devices, the goal remains the same: helping people stay safe, productive and comfortable in a world that is getting hotter by the year.Are AC helmets really the answer?The idea sounds futuristic: a helmet that can cool your head while riding through a 45°C afternoon. But on the ground, the reality is more complicated.A traffic cop in Chennai says the toughest moments are often not while riding, but while standing at traffic junctions.“During peak afternoons, road-surface temperatures on stretches such as OMR, GST Road and around Koyambedu can climb beyond 45°C, turning even a 90- to 120-second signal wait into an uncomfortable experience,” a traffic cop from Chennai told TOI.While AC helmets are slowly making their way into the market, they are not yet a practical solution for everyone.Affordable models mostly rely on built-in fans for ventilation, while advanced cooling helmets remain expensive and are often weighed down by battery and maintenance requirements.“Most AC helmets sold in India are fan-cooled models costing Rs 300–Rs 5,000. Imported thermoelectric cooling helmets sold in Chennai superbike stores cost Rs 40,000–Rs 80,000 and they claim to reduce inside temperature by nearly 10°C,” he added.As a result, many riders, delivery workers and traffic personnel continue to rely on simpler solutions such as ventilated helmets, cooling liners, hydration packs and frequent water breaks.Avadi city police in Chennai has also started distributing AC helmets alongside buttermilk, ORS packets and drinking water to personnel stationed on roads during extreme heat.‘Jugaads’ against 45°CWhen temperatures cross 45°C, survival itself becomes an innovation challenge. And if there is one thing India excels at, it is finding low-cost fixes long before formal solutions arrive.Across cities and villages, people are turning everyday materials into makeshift cooling systems.In parts of Delhi, Lucknow and Jaipur, auto-rickshaw drivers have been spotted lining the roofs of their vehicles with grass mats, straw layers and coconut-thatch coverings to keep the metal body from turning into an oven..Some have even installed water-soaked khus curtains that create a natural cooling effect as air passes through them.The same ingenuity can be seen among taxi drivers. In Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai, many keep wet towels on dashboards, use reflective windshield covers during parking breaks, place ice packs near air vents or hang damp cloth screens near windows to improve airflow.Then there was Gurugram’s viral ‘AC Auto’. Equipped with a working air-conditioner inside an electric rickshaw, the vehicle became an internet sensation as users joked that Gurgaon was ‘living in 2050’.In homes, markets and roadside shops, the hacks continue. In heat-hit towns across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, water sprinklers are used on tin roofs to lower surface temperatures.Shopkeepers cover roofs with wet gunny sacks, while residents install temporary bamboo screens and straw panels on terraces to reduce heat absorption. Earthen pots filled with water are often placed near entrances to cool incoming air naturally.What makes these solutions remarkable is not technological sophistication but accessibility. Most require little money, no electricity and materials that are readily available.Sometimes the battle against a heatwave begins not in a laboratory or boardroom, but with a bucket of water, a bundle of straw and a bit of classic Indian jugaad.Reimagining buildings and public spacesFor decades, India’s response to heat has largely remained focused on drinking more water, staying indoors and avoiding the afternoon sun.But as temperatures continue to rise, experts say the bigger challenge lies outside our homes: redesigning the spaces where people live, work and commute.Cities are increasingly realising that concrete, glass and asphalt do not just absorb heat, they trap it. This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island effect, can make densely built neighbourhoods several degrees hotter than surrounding areas.In Mumbai, some hotspots identified under the city’s climate action plan have recorded temperatures up to 8°C higher than greener localities.To counter this, authorities are beginning to rethink the very surfaces that cover India’s cities. One of the most ambitious examples comes from Mumbai, where the civic body has launched a cool-roof programme that will coat hundreds of municipal school buildings with heat-reflective paint.The specialised coating reflects a significant portion of incoming solar radiation, helping reduce roof temperatures and making classrooms more comfortable for students without relying on energy-intensive air-conditioning.Scientists are also pushing the boundaries of what a coat of paint can achieve. Researchers in Australia recently unveiled a nano-engineered ‘smart paint’ capable of reflecting up to 97% of sunlight.The experimental coating not only keeps surfaces dramatically cooler but can also harvest water from the atmosphere through condensation. While still under development, it offers a glimpse into how future buildings may actively fight heat rather than simply endure it.At the same time, cities are revisiting age-old urban planning principles. Increasing tree cover, creating shaded pedestrian corridors, using heat-reflective construction materials, preserving open spaces and improving airflow between buildings are all becoming part of the climate-resilience conversation. The goal is not merely to cool individual buildings but entire neighbourhoods.‘Desi jugaads’ that went viralA viral video shows a man beating India’s brutal 44°C heat by turning his rooftop into a barefoot-friendly surface using just Rs 800 worth of materials — a simple mix of chuna (lime), binder and waterproofing compound. The result is striking: roof temperatures reportedly drop from heat-trap levels to around 28–30°C.At several Indian railway stations, where heat and pollution push conditions to extreme levels, authorities are now spraying water from rooftop systems to bring down temperatures and offer commuters a brief moment of relief on scorching platforms.A viral desi innovation shows a man transforming his motorcycle into a fully covered mini-canopy ride with built-in shade and even a fire safety system turning extreme heat and rain into a comfortable journey. This proves once again that in India, jugaad engineering often beats expensive upgrades in pure creativity and practicality.These innovations show that Indians don’t just face problems, they instinctively build solutions for almost every challenge life throws at them.Beyond gadgets: What governments need to doExperts increasingly argue that adapting to extreme heat cannot be left to individual workers alone.Several cities have already begun experimenting with heat-action measures. Delhi has deployed mobile heat-relief vans carrying drinking water, ORS packets, first-aid supplies and protective gear in heat-prone locations.E-commerce and food delivery platforms have started setting up shaded rest centres, hydration points and air-cooled break zones for delivery partners.Some companies have introduced cooling jackets, ventilated gear and job rotation systems to reduce prolonged exposure during peak heat hours. These measures are increasingly seen not as perks, but as basic operational necessity.However, public health experts say a broader response is needed as heatwaves become more frequent and intense. This includes:Expanding shaded shelters and cooling centres in markets, transport hubs and labour zones.Mandating rest breaks and revised work timings for outdoor workers during peak afternoon hours.Installing public drinking-water stations in high-footfall areas.Increasing urban tree cover and heat-resilient infrastructure.Promoting cool roofs and heat-reflective building materials.Strengthening heatwave warning systems and public awareness campaigns.In other words, while cooling helmets, jackets and vests may help individuals beat the heat, the larger battle will be won through city-wide planning.As temperatures continue to rise, the challenge is no longer simply staying comfortable, it is making sure people can work, travel and live safely in a much hotter India.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. Her work focuses on the latest political events, in-depth explainers, features, offbeat articles and viral social media trending stories.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThe Untold Story Of The CIA, The T-72 Tank And Delhi Gymkhana ClubUS Immigration Crackdown: 30 Indian Truckers Arrested In Operation Checkmate’We Reached 207 Without Imports’: Bengal BJP Shuts Door On TMC Leaders Ahead Of 2026 PollsMamata Faces Fresh Challenge As TMC MLAs Rally Behind Rebel Ritabrata Banerjee | WatchCentre Can Take Back Leased Land For Public Interest, Says Khattar; Delhi Plan Soon?Shashi Tharoor Calls Full Vande Mataram Rendition At Official Events An “Unnecessary Imposition”Maharashtra 2022 Replay In Bengal? TMC Faces Growing SpeculationYogi Adityanath Issues Strong Warning Over Gau Mata Posts During BakridBengal’s Cut Money Storm: Villagers Receive Cash Back From TMC WorkersLadakh Autonomy Row Deepens As Wangchuk Flags Draft Gaps, Signals Protest Escalation123PhotostoriesShah Rukh Khan, Virat Kohli, and more: 6 inspiring life lessons from global icons every child should learn earlyWhen friends become snakes in relationships: 5 signs to watch out forLong before self-love became a trend, Sushmita Sen practiced it: 5 traits that continue to inspire young womenThe forgotten Indian herbs your grandparents grew that modern kitchens need again4 warning signs most men ignore until it’s too late: US heart surgeon Jeremy London on early health red flagsFrom bird feeders to herb gardens: 7 ways to repurpose old flower pots7 of the cutest animals on earth (and why they’re so irresistible)You can be thin, but still clinically obese: BMI underestimates obesity levels, says studyWhy cardiologists are seeing more 25-45-year-olds with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeatsHow to stop hair colour from fading quickly123Hot PicksSrinagar airportTN private schoolsShanimol OsmanCUET UG admit cardSouth Korea stock marketITR filing FY 2025-26Dave FijiTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtIPL Awards Full ListBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card

Vamsikrishna013 mins mins

NEW DELHI: India is learning to live with a hotter future. From Delhi to Mumbai, temperatures are regularly crossing 45 degrees Celsius, heatwaves are lasting longer and cities are becoming giant heat traps due to rapid urbanisation and the growing urban heat island effect.But if there is one thing Indians are famous for, it is…

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UKPSC PCS final result 2026 released, Jasmeet Kaur bags Rank 1: Direct link to download merit list here

UKPSC PCS final result 2026 released, Jasmeet Kaur bags Rank 1: Direct link to download merit list here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

UKPSC PCS final result 2026 The Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) has declared the final result of the Uttarakhand Combined State Civil/Upper Subordinate Services Examination (PCS) 2024. Candidates who appeared for the recruitment process can now check and download the final merit list from the official UKPSC website.According to the commission, the final selection list…

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‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ undergoes CBFC edits; cricket references and brand mentions modified

‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ undergoes CBFC edits; cricket references and brand mentions modified

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

As theatres prepare for a fresh wave of releases following the conclusion of IPL 2026, one of the biggest Hindi films arriving this week is David Dhawan’s comedy entertainer ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’. Starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, the film has already generated significant curiosity among moviegoers. Before its release,…

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Why Washington is considering expanding nuclear deployments across Europe

Why Washington is considering expanding nuclear deployments across Europe

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The United States is weighing whether to expand the deployment of nuclear weapons to additional North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries. Currently, six European states host US nuclear-capable aircraft, but US officials have signaled openness to extend this arrangement. The discussions center on more nations hosting dual-capable aircraft able to deliver nuclear strikes, though no…

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NEET MDS 2026 result shortly at natboard.edu.in: NBEMS to release merit list, AIR and cutoff scores

NEET MDS 2026 result shortly at natboard.edu.in: NBEMS to release merit list, AIR and cutoff scores

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEET MDS 2026 Results: How To Check NBEMS Merit List And Counselling Timeline NEET MDS 2026 Results: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is scheduled to release the highly anticipated NEET MDS 2026 results today, June 2, 2026. Thousands of dental aspirants who appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for…

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Director Adam Marcus calls Val Kilmer ‘the worst human being’; recalls his on-set behavior: ‘He would have been cancelled’

Director Adam Marcus calls Val Kilmer ‘the worst human being’; recalls his on-set behavior: ‘He would have been cancelled’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Val Kilmer, the generational star who starred in varied Hollywood films, has been deemed ‘the worst human being’ by Adam Marcus, who worked with him in the film ‘Conspiracy.’ A year after the actor passed away from pneumonia at age 65, the director-screenwriter penned a disappointing post about him on Threads, recalling their time on…

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‘Isolate yourself’: Govt issues advisory for travellers from Ebola-affected countries showing symptoms

‘Isolate yourself’: Govt issues advisory for travellers from Ebola-affected countries showing symptoms

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Govt issues advisory for travellers from Ebola-affected countries showing symptoms (Image credit: AP) NEW DELHI: The union ministry of health and family welfare on Tuesday issued a precautionary advisory for travellers arriving from Ebola-affected countries. The ministry said no cases of Ebola disease have been reported in India so far.In a statement, the ministry urged…

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NEW DELHI: West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday firmly rejected speculation over the induction of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders into the BJP, asserting that the party would not admit “tainted” individuals and that “trinamoolisation of BJP would never happen.”Emphasising that the BJP’s rise in West Bengal had been driven by grassroots workers rather than political defections, Bhattacharya said there was no question of accommodating those who had resigned from the ousted TMC. His remarks came in Kolkata as TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee prepared to lead a protest over alleged post-poll violence against her party’s leaders.Addressing the reporters, Bhattacharya said, “Our doors are closed for TMC. We reached the number 207 without importing anyone. The people voted against the leaders of TMC. Our political strategy this time started from the bottom. How can we include the people who are tainted in our party? Trinamoolisation of BJP will never happen.”Bhattacharya also launched a broader attack on the opposition party of the state, claiming that public support for TMC had eroded and that the party was now battling internal contradictions. His remarks came in Kolkata as TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee prepared to lead a protest over alleged post-poll violence against her party’s leaders.”The people of West Bengal would not let Mamata Banerjee protest. TMC is not in a position to face the people by protesting on the roads,” he said.He further alleged that Banerjee’s political moves were aimed at diverting attention from the party’s challenges within the state.”Everyone knows what happened when the former CM went to court. Now, TMC is against TMC. Mamata Banerjee is talking about Delhi to divert attention. She can come to Delhi, go to Antarctica or the desert. She can do anything, but the people of West Bengal have rejected TMC. The game is over,” Bhattacharya added.Mamata’s protest against attack on TMC leadersMamata Banerjee is set to lead a protest march at Kolkata’s Rani Rashmoni Road over alleged attacks on TMC leaders following recent political unrest in parts of the state.The protest follows incidents involving TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and party MP Kalyan Banerjee during visits to affected areas in South 24 Parganas and Hooghly. Abhishek Banerjee alleged that he was attacked with bricks, stones and eggs, resulting in an eye injury, while Kalyan Banerjee claimed he survived an “attempt to murder” near Chanditala Police Station.On Monday, Banerjee condemned the alleged attacks on party MPs and described the incidents as evidence of what she called “absurd and authoritarian conduct”. She also warned that the TMC would take its agitation to the national capital if it was prevented from demonstrating in Kolkata.”Arrest me if you want. The TMC will hold its protest on June 2 even without police permission, microphones or a stage. If we are not allowed to protest in Kolkata, we will protest in Delhi,” she said in a video statement.Reacting to the planned demonstration, BJP leader Rahul Sinha questioned its purpose and suggested the controversy had been politically orchestrated, while noting that permissions for public protests fall within the jurisdiction of the police.Meanwhile, police have arrested five people in connection with the alleged attack on Abhishek Banerjee, and investigations are continuing.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Faces Fresh Challenge As TMC MLAs Rally Behind Rebel Ritabrata Banerjee | WatchCentre Can Take Back Leased Land For Public Interest, Says Khattar; Delhi Plan Soon?Shashi Tharoor Calls Full Vande Mataram Rendition At Official Events An “Unnecessary Imposition”Maharashtra 2022 Replay In Bengal? 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NEW DELHI: West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday firmly rejected speculation over the induction of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders into the BJP, asserting that the party would not admit “tainted” individuals and that “trinamoolisation of BJP would never happen.”Emphasising that the BJP’s rise in West Bengal had been driven by grassroots workers rather than political defections, Bhattacharya said there was no question of accommodating those who had resigned from the ousted TMC. His remarks came in Kolkata as TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee prepared to lead a protest over alleged post-poll violence against her party’s leaders.Addressing the reporters, Bhattacharya said, “Our doors are closed for TMC. We reached the number 207 without importing anyone. The people voted against the leaders of TMC. Our political strategy this time started from the bottom. How can we include the people who are tainted in our party? Trinamoolisation of BJP will never happen.”Bhattacharya also launched a broader attack on the opposition party of the state, claiming that public support for TMC had eroded and that the party was now battling internal contradictions. His remarks came in Kolkata as TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee prepared to lead a protest over alleged post-poll violence against her party’s leaders.”The people of West Bengal would not let Mamata Banerjee protest. TMC is not in a position to face the people by protesting on the roads,” he said.He further alleged that Banerjee’s political moves were aimed at diverting attention from the party’s challenges within the state.”Everyone knows what happened when the former CM went to court. Now, TMC is against TMC. Mamata Banerjee is talking about Delhi to divert attention. She can come to Delhi, go to Antarctica or the desert. She can do anything, but the people of West Bengal have rejected TMC. The game is over,” Bhattacharya added.Mamata’s protest against attack on TMC leadersMamata Banerjee is set to lead a protest march at Kolkata’s Rani Rashmoni Road over alleged attacks on TMC leaders following recent political unrest in parts of the state.The protest follows incidents involving TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and party MP Kalyan Banerjee during visits to affected areas in South 24 Parganas and Hooghly. Abhishek Banerjee alleged that he was attacked with bricks, stones and eggs, resulting in an eye injury, while Kalyan Banerjee claimed he survived an “attempt to murder” near Chanditala Police Station.On Monday, Banerjee condemned the alleged attacks on party MPs and described the incidents as evidence of what she called “absurd and authoritarian conduct”. She also warned that the TMC would take its agitation to the national capital if it was prevented from demonstrating in Kolkata.”Arrest me if you want. The TMC will hold its protest on June 2 even without police permission, microphones or a stage. If we are not allowed to protest in Kolkata, we will protest in Delhi,” she said in a video statement.Reacting to the planned demonstration, BJP leader Rahul Sinha questioned its purpose and suggested the controversy had been politically orchestrated, while noting that permissions for public protests fall within the jurisdiction of the police.Meanwhile, police have arrested five people in connection with the alleged attack on Abhishek Banerjee, and investigations are continuing.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Faces Fresh Challenge As TMC MLAs Rally Behind Rebel Ritabrata Banerjee | WatchCentre Can Take Back Leased Land For Public Interest, Says Khattar; Delhi Plan Soon?Shashi Tharoor Calls Full Vande Mataram Rendition At Official Events An “Unnecessary Imposition”Maharashtra 2022 Replay In Bengal? TMC Faces Growing SpeculationYogi Adityanath Issues Strong Warning Over Gau Mata Posts During BakridBengal’s Cut Money Storm: Villagers Receive Cash Back From TMC WorkersLadakh Autonomy Row Deepens As Wangchuk Flags Draft Gaps, Signals Protest Escalation’Apologise Immediately’: Nepal Opposition Rips Into PM Balen Shah Over India Border RemarkAfter Amit Shah Meeting, Annamalai Exit Speculation Grows As New Party Talk IntensifiesCBSE-Coempt Dispute Escalates Amid Conflict Of Interest Claims And Strong Denials123PhotostoriesThe forgotten Indian herbs your grandparents grew that modern kitchens need again4 warning signs most men ignore until it’s too late: US heart surgeon Jeremy London on early health red flagsFrom bird feeders to herb gardens: 7 ways to repurpose old flower pots7 of the cutest animals on earth (and why they’re so irresistible)You can be thin, but still clinically obese: BMI underestimates obesity levels, says studyWhy cardiologists are seeing more 25-45-year-olds with high blood pressure and irregular heartbeatsHow to stop hair colour from fading quicklyWhy did PM Narendra Modi praise mango farmers and must-try 15 types of Indian mangoesShilpa Shinde gets emotional over the Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai controversy, claims she made a false sexual harassment allegation; recalls being told, “I’ll make you sit at home”Fatty liver disease: Foods to eat and avoid, according to a Harvard doctor123Hot PicksSrinagar airportTN private schoolsShanimol OsmanCUET UG admit cardSouth Korea stock marketITR filing FY 2025-26Dave FijiTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday firmly rejected speculation over the induction of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders into the BJP, asserting that the party would not admit “tainted” individuals and that “trinamoolisation of BJP would never happen.”Emphasising that the BJP’s rise in West Bengal had been driven by grassroots workers…

Read More
RUHS CUET 2026 result to be released today at ruhsraj.org: Check steps to download scorecards

RUHS CUET 2026 result to be released today at ruhsraj.org: Check steps to download scorecards

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) is set to declare the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026 result today, June 2. Candidates who appeared for the entrance examination will be able to check and download their scorecards through the official websites, ruhsraj.org and ruhscuet2026.com.The RUHS CUET 2026 examination was conducted on May 21 for…

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Quote of the day by Dean Martin: ‘I want to be remembered as a damn good entertainer…who made people enjoy themselves and laugh a little’

Quote of the day by Dean Martin: ‘I want to be remembered as a damn good entertainer…who made people enjoy themselves and laugh a little’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Dean Martin was one of the biggest icons of the Hollywood industry. He had excelled in both acting and singing, and was known as one of the trend setters of his era. Even after almost 30 years of his passing, Martin is well remembered for his on screen characters, along with his laid-back and confident…

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