Surviving Heat in Delhi NCR

Learning from urban poor women on heat resilient housing, a Chintan report.

Chintan’s latest report captures real, field-tested solutions for rising heat in urban poor homes.A basket of interventions, lessons on what works (and what doesn’t)—led by trained community women, from heat mapping to action.

Tarpaulin, cardboard, jute, bamboo, old sarees, and white paint — these are just some of the low-cost methods used to reduce temperatures inside the hutments of the urban poor. We’ve tried them all

The Characteristics of Software Architecture

This report captures one of Chintan’s most unique journeys—testing real solutions to rising heat inside the homes of the urban poor. Through a variety of interventions, from retrofitting to sustainable materials, we learned what works—and what doesn’t—on the ground. Most importantly, this research was powered by community women—trained, skilled, and involved at every step, from heat mapping to installing weather stations.

Heat Solutions is their story, and a roadmap for building a more resilient future.