By Amol Kale, AIDMI, India

Heatwaves are no longer an occasional summer challenge—they are becoming an annual reality for cities across India. In Jalgaon, Maharashtra, where summer temperatures frequently exceed 45°C, extreme heat poses serious risks to health, livelihoods, and the quality of life, particularly for low-income families. To address these growing challenges, Jalgaon has initiated two complementary Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): Green Corridors and Cool Roofs.

The Green Corridor initiative envisions the development of a 4-kilometre urban green corridor using native tree species to reduce heat stress and improve environmental conditions. Although the project is in its initial phase, 0.3 kilometres of the corridor has been completed with the plantation of 51 native saplings. These trees have been carefully selected to provide shade, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and create cooler neighbourhoods over time. The initiative also encourages local residents to participate in watering and protecting the trees, fostering a sense of community ownership and ensuring their long-term survival.

Alongside urban greening, the project introduced Cool Roof Solutions in the four hamlets of Samtanagar Slums, where tin-sheet roofs often trap heat and make indoor living conditions extremely uncomfortable during summer. By applying reflective roof coatings, the intervention helps reduce heat absorption, making homes cooler and improving thermal comfort for vulnerable families without relying on expensive cooling systems.

Following a household survey across the settlement, the project successfully completed Cool Roof installations in 100 households. These homes are now better protected from extreme heat, offering residents a safer and more comfortable living environment during periods of high temperatures. The intervention demonstrates how simple, affordable technologies can make a meaningful difference in improving climate resilience at the household level.

The combination of Green Corridors and Cool Roofs illustrates the value of integrating ecological restoration with community-focused adaptation measures. While the Green Corridor contributes to lowering outdoor temperatures and improving the urban environment, Cool Roofs provide immediate relief inside homes where families spend much of their time.

Jalgaon’s experience shows that climate resilience is built through practical action, local participation, and sustained commitment. Every tree planted and every roof transformed represents an investment in healthier communities and a more climate-resilient future. As cities across South Asia continue to experience rising temperatures, initiatives like these offer scalable and affordable solutions that place people, nature, and resilience at the centre of urban development.

CASE STUDY

Intervention Recipient Study: Nirmala Dinesh Gaikwad

“During extreme periods, the sheet metal panels converted the rooms into an oven. Internal conditions became unlivable, matching structural challenges encountered during blackouts.”

The Challenge

• During peak summer in Jalgaon, the house became extremely hot during the daytime.
• The roof absorbed excessive heat, making the floors and indoor spaces uncomfortable.
• Even with continuous fan use, the rooms remained hot and suffocating.
• During electricity cuts, the indoor temperature became unbearable within minutes.

The Solution

• Under the “Nature-Based Solutions for Heat and Water Stress” project, sponsored by Tata Trusts and implemented by AIDMI, Practical Action, and Krushi Vikas, a solar-reflective “Cool Roof” coating was applied to the rooftop.
• The coating reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption, helping maintain lower indoor temperatures.

The Impact

• Noticeable reduction in indoor temperature within four days.
• Floors remained cooler, and indoor heat was reduced significantly.
• Reduced dependence on fans and electricity.
• House remained comfortable for more than two hours during power cuts.
• Improved comfort and living conditions during extreme summer heat.