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Bihar Tackles Heatwave with Innovative Cool Shelters
Patna, Bihar – As India grapples with increasingly severe heatwaves, Bihar is pioneering innovative solutions to protect its most vulnerable populations. The State Unveiled Cool Shelters designed to provide respite from the scorching heat, incorporating locally sourced materials and sustainable designs.
With record-breaking temperatures sweeping across the region,including Buxar hitting a staggering 47.2°C in June 2024, these shelters offer a crucial lifeline.
Innovative Use of Magra Wool
Unveiled at the bihar Diwas 2025 celebration, the cool shelters showcase the unique use of Magra wool, a fiber sourced from Rajasthan. This initiative is a collaboration between Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), Urmul, and Samakhya Sustainable Alternatives, repurposing discarded sheep wool with indigenous knowledge and technological enhancements. The objective is to foster self-reliance and sustainability within local communities.
The Impact of Magra Fibre
The effectiveness of the Magra fibre was demonstrated on March 25, 2025, when the outside temperature soared to 44 degrees Celsius. Inside the shelter, the temperature remained a comfortable 38 degrees Celsius-a significant reduction of 5 to 6 degrees Celsius. This highlights the potential of these structures to provide much-needed relief from extreme heat.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2024 was one of the hottest years on record, underscoring the urgent need for innovative cooling solutions like these shelters.
Government and expert Interest
The SEEDS stall at bihar Diwas garnered significant attention from government officials, scientific experts, and organizational representatives. Notable visitors included the Honorable Governor of Bihar Arif mohammad Khan, Vice Chairman of Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) Uday Kant Mishra, and Patna District Magistrate Sri Chandrashekhar.
“We should spread the word as much as possible for such innovations. It should reach the villages and be made available to them, as it can provide relief from extreme heat,” said Uday Kant Mishra, Vice Chairman of Bsdma.
Previous Initiatives
SEEDS has been refining cool shelters over the years, experimenting with sustainable materials and structural adaptations. In 2023,the organization piloted bamboo shelters in Delhi,offering respite to rickshaw pullers,rag pickers,and construction workers. These shelters utilized bamboo’s natural cooling properties to create breathable, shaded spaces in urban heat islands.
SEEDS: A Leader in Disaster Risk Reduction
SEEDS is a recipient of the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 and the Subhash chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Award 2021 by the Government of India, underscoring its commitment to building resilient communities.
Consider supporting organizations like SEEDS to help expand their reach and impact in creating sustainable solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
Looking Ahead
As Bihar and other states brace for another sweltering summer,the role of sustainable,low-cost cooling solutions is increasingly crucial. The success of these cool shelters highlights the potential for wider adoption across India and other heat-prone regions.
The Growing Need for Climate-Resilient Solutions
The development and implementation of climate-resilient solutions are becoming increasingly vital in the face of global warming. Heatwaves are intensifying, and vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected. Innovations like the cool shelters in Bihar offer a scalable model for other regions facing similar challenges.
The United Nations environment Program (UNEP) emphasizes the importance of integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning to mitigate the impacts of climate change. these strategies not only help in reducing temperatures but also enhance biodiversity and improve the overall quality
