Planning for heat resilience, a case of NCT Delhi/

Abstract

This study explores the impact of heat on urban and peri-urban populations in Delhi, India, focusing on planned and unplanned settlements. Heat impact leading to heat stress has emerged as a critical public health and urban planning challenge with the increasing frequency of heat waves exacerbated by urbanization and climate change. The research utilizes a mixed-method approach, combining GIS-based mapping, predictive modeling, and community surveys to assess vulnerabilities and evaluate existing resilience measures. Findings highlight the disparities between planned and unplanned settlements regarding heat impacts on health, socio-economic disparities, and infrastructure. While planned areas benefit from better infrastructure, they face higher energy costs, whereas unplanned settlements are more vulnerable due to overcrowding and inadequate access to basic services. The study emphasizes the need for localized strategies that address these inequalities, such as affordable cooling solutions, expanded green infrastructure, and community engagement. The study proposes a comprehensive framework for enhancing heat resilience in Delhi by drawing from global best practices, including Ahmedabad's heat action plan and Singapore's urban greening initiatives. This research aims to contribute to sustainable urban development by promoting equitable, climate-resilient solutions that can mitigate heat impact and protect vulnerable populations. Heat impact and the heat island effect have become major urban challenges in Delhi, exacerbating temperature extremes and posing serious risks to public health, infrastructure, and urban sustainability. This research aims to develop comprehensive strategies to enhance heat resilience across the diverse landscapes of NCT Delhi, including formal, informal, and peri-urban settlements. Using a multi-method approach—GIS mapping, remote sensing, community surveys, and policy analysis—the study identifies key UHI parameters, maps heat hotspots, and proposes tailored mitigation strategies. This research underscores the need for micro-level climate-adaptive urban planning, enhanced community engagement, and integrated policy approaches to combat heat impact effectively.