Table of Contents
Introduction
This article talks about how heatwaves in India are getting worse, especially in cities, and how poor planning is making things harder for people. It also explains how the most vulnerable groups, like delivery workers and street vendors, are suffering the most, while wealthier people are less affected because they rely on technology and comfort to stay cool.
Article Explanation
Heatwaves in India
This summer, India experienced extremely high temperatures, with some places like Delhi reaching over 50°C. The government reported that more than 200 people died from the heat, but the real number could be much higher. Once the monsoon rains came, people started to forget about the extreme heat, but it was a serious warning about how hot the country is becoming.
Indian cities are becoming much hotter than rural areas because of something called the “urban heat island” effect. This happens when buildings, roads, and human activities trap heat, making cities warmer. In places like Gurugram, modern glass buildings look nice but make the heat worse because they trap it inside. These buildings also reflect heat outside, making it harder for people on the streets. The lack of trees and parks makes the problem worse because there’s no natural shade to cool things down.
Who Suffers?
The article explains that the people who suffer the most from this heat are those who work outside, like delivery workers, auto drivers, construction workers, and street vendors. They have to work in the heat all day, with little protection from the sun. These workers don’t have air conditioning or the luxury of taking breaks in cool places. For them, the rising heat makes life much harder, and their health and income are both affected.
Wealthier people are not as affected by the heat because they can stay inside air-conditioned homes and offices. Technology plays a big role in helping them avoid the outdoors. Apps let them order groceries, book rides, and get repairs done without ever stepping outside. This creates what the article calls a “comfort trap,” where the rich become disconnected from the real problems of living in a hot city. Because of this, they don’t push for changes or improvements in things like public transportation or better urban planning.
Privilege and Lack of Action
Since wealthier people are insulated from the heat and other urban problems, there’s less pressure on the government to fix these issues. For example, when floods hit fancy parts of Delhi where rich people live, the government responded quickly. But problems like poor public schools or bad transportation don’t get as much attention because the rich use private schools and cars, avoiding these public services.
Technology Worsens the Problem
As cities become less comfortable due to extreme heat, more people start using technology to avoid going outside. This creates a cycle where bad city planning pushes people indoors, and technology makes it easier for them to stay there. As a result, people demand fewer improvements to public services, making the city less livable, especially for those who can’t afford air conditioning or modern technology.
Conclusion
The article ends by saying that people, especially the rich, need to wake up and reconnect with their cities. The growing heatwaves and bad city planning are making it harder to enjoy public spaces or even step outside. Wealthier people, who have the power to make changes, should use their influence to push for better planning, more green spaces, and better public services. This is important not just for them, but for everyone living in the city.
In conclusion, while technology and comfort help protect the privileged from heatwaves, they are also making cities worse for everyone else. It’s important to take action now to make cities better for all people, not just the wealthy.
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