Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Jitendra drives his autorickshaw every day in the scorching heat of Delhi’s heatwave. He travels from his locality in Sangam Vihar, Asia’s largest unauthorised colony, to neighbouring Sainik Farm, an affluent and planned locality in South Delhi.
“When I drive to areas like Sainik Farm, which have more trees and open spaces, I get some relief. But congested areas like Sangam Vihar are very hot,” said Jitendra.
Studies have shown that there is a correlation between temperatures and the way a city is built and developed. Areas that are more concretised, congested, and densely populated experience higher temperatures.
So, how much does the temperature vary across different parts of the same city? And who are the most vulnerable to heat? To find out, we visited four neighbourhoods in Delhi and recorded temperatures in adjacent localities.
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Jitendra drives his autorickshaw every day in the scorching heat of Delhi’s heatwave. He travels from his locality in Sangam Vihar, Asia’s largest unauthorised colony, to neighbouring Sainik Farm, an affluent and planned locality in South Delhi.
“When I drive to areas like Sainik Farm, which have more trees and open spaces, I get some relief. But congested areas like Sangam Vihar are very hot,” said Jitendra.
Studies have shown that there is a correlation between temperatures and the way a city is built and developed. Areas that are more concretised, congested, and densely populated experience higher temperatures.
So, how much does the temperature vary across different parts of the same city? And who are the most vulnerable to heat? To find out, we visited four neighbourhoods in Delhi and recorded temperatures in adjacent localities.
Subscribe to Scroll's YouTube channel and turn on your notifications, so you don't miss new videos.
For more explainers, and the web’s most interesting videos - scroll.in/video
For the latest news and analysis - scroll.in
Support our award-winning journalism by becoming a Scroll member - scroll.in/contribute
Follow Scroll.in here -
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