How cool roofs can be a solution to India's extreme heat crisis

• Gujarat roofs are painted white to combat heat, using titanium dioxide.
• 400 Ahmedabad homes are part of a study on indoor heat impact.
• Cool roofs in Ahmedabad show positive changes in living conditions.

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To tackle the challenge of increased heat, in an innovative approach, the roofs of houses in Gujarat have been painted white, as part of a study to analyse the impact of indoor heat on the health of individuals and to show how “cool roofs” can help to tackle this.

Around 400 households in Ahmedabad have been painted white. The white paint contains titanium dioxide, which helps in reflecting the sunlight.

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The residents of Vanzara Vas slum in the Narol area of the city have already begun to notice the changes after conducting this experiment.

"My refrigerator doesn't heat up any more, and the house feels cooler. I sleep so much better, and my electricity bill is down," said Bhil, whose roof was painted in January.

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