As India battles extreme heatwaves, a simple yet powerful innovation is bringing relief to those living in slums,cool roofs. This initiative aims to reduce indoor temperatures in overcrowded settlements, where tin and concrete roofs turn homes into ovens during summer.

The concept is simple but effective. Roofs are coated with reflective white paint or covered with materials like bamboo mats and special cooling sheets.

These solutions prevent heat absorption, keeping indoor spaces cooler by several degrees. In cities like Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, where summer temperatures soar above 45°C, cool roofs have already shown promising results.

For slum dwellers, who often lack access to air conditioning or even fans, this is a game-changer. A resident from Hyderabad shared, "Earlier, it felt like we were living inside a furnace. Now, our home is much cooler, and we can finally sleep peacefully at night."

The Indian government and NGOs are working together to expand the program, ensuring that more households benefit. Experts believe that large-scale adoption of cool roofs could reduce heat-related illnesses and even lower electricity consumption in urban areas.

As climate change intensifies, such low-cost and sustainable solutions are crucial for protecting vulnerable communities. While cool roofs may not completely eliminate the hardships of extreme heat, they offer a lifeline to millions struggling to survive in India's sweltering slums.

The question now is, can this innovation be scaled up fast enough before the next deadly heatwave strikes?