How industrial belts, dense colonies and unplanned settlements turned into Delhi’s hottest zones

A new report reveals over 75% of Delhi’s land area experienced recurring heat stress between 2015 and 2024. Industrial belts, dense residential areas, and unplanned settlements are identified as the hottest zones, with land surface temperatures reaching up to 60.7 degrees Celsius. The study highlights weakening natural cooling systems and recommends recognizing heat as a disaster.