For Dhanasekaran, a resident of Ezhilmuga Nagar, an area adjacent to the proposed Global Sports City project site, the vast stretch of land in Semmencheri is more than an empty plot waiting to be developed. Every monsoon, he watches it transform into a sheet of water, carrying runoff from surrounding neighbourhoods towards the Pallikaranai Marshland. "We are the poorvakudi (original inhabitants) of this place. Even though we were relocated here years ago, this has become our home," says Dhanasekaran, standing beside the 112-acre site where the project is set to come up. "Officials may not know how much water will…

As summer temperatures reach record highs across India, our homes are increasingly turning into heat traps. While air conditioning offers immediate relief, relying heavily on high energy-consuming cooling methods cannot be a long-term solution. These are not sustainable and contribute to carbon emissions. On the other hand, many quick DIY fixes may not work, and heavy architectural changes may not be an option for those living in rented homes or in budget-conscious households. So, how can we make our homes more liveable as cities heat up? What are some sustainable, affordable yet durable options available for cooling? To answer some…