Women spend long hours cooking in open or semi-covered areas, increasing the risk of heat stress and illness during peak summer. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: MOHD ARIF
When the temperatures rise in Telangana, the heat is not experienced the same. Step into a typical household in the summer and the difference will be obvious. For many women, especially in rural and low-income settings, the day takes place in spaces that are susceptible to heat, from kitchens to poorly ventilated workspaces. As Telangana Heatwave Action Plan 2026 points out that for them, this means that the current summer is not only hotter, but also harder in a way that is often unseen.
It often starts at home. The action plan points to a common but overlooked factor: the presence of kitchens located outside the main living space. In many households, women spend long hours cooking in open or semi-covered areas. During peak summer, these spaces can be significantly warmer than ambient conditions, increasing the risk of heat stress and illness.
Published – May 5, 2026 1:22 PM IST
