Background

With the continual increase in global warming and climate change, India has been no exception to the results of prolonged heat waves spreading across the nation, more so in regions like New Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat. According to the Lancet Countdown report from 2021, India is amongst the top 5 countries most affected by extreme heat. 

Such persistent effects of rise in temperature pose several health risks to vulnerable populations such as daily wage laborers. The 2024 heat wave alone was one of the most severe and drawn out waves India has faced in over 8 years with temperatures rising to 50.5°C in some areas. For manual laborers that spend much of their time working outdoors with little to no protection, the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, skin disease and even death is significantly high. 

The Heat Relief Alliance (THRA) is an initiative that has been developed particularly keeping the urgent needs of these vulnerable workers in mind. By directing its efforts towards providing effective  heat relief tools and sustainable infrastructure, the project hopes to reduce the adverse effects of extreme heat and safeguard the health of laborers in the urban and peri urban regions of North India.