Burail among city’s heat hotspots; cramped lanes, dense build-up trap summer stress

Chandigarh: Burail in Sector 45 — flagged as one of Chandigarh’s urban heat hotspots in a Panjab University study — offers a ground-level picture of how dense construction and congestion intensify summer conditions, with narrow lanes trapping heat and limiting airflow.Satellite-based land surface temperature mapping places the locality among the warmer pockets of the city, but on the ground the effect is amplified by tightly packed housing, busy commercial activity and shrinking open spaces.Inside Burail, closely built houses, workshops and small establishments line narrow lanes, leaving little scope for ventilation. Stretches dominated by auto repair units, tyre shops and spare-part outlets see vehicles occupying most available space. Residents say the area draws customers from across the city and neighbouring towns for relatively affordable automobile work, adding to the congestion.“The streets are narrow, there is hardly any cross-ventilation, and the population has increased significantly over the years,” said Seema, a long-time resident who runs a grocery shop. She said migration and a rising tenant base have increased pressure on limited infrastructure.While closely packed buildings offer brief relief from direct sunlight, residents say the benefit is limited. Restricted airflow causes heat to accumulate between structures, making interiors and lanes feel stifling during peak hours.Around commercial pockets, the heat is more intense. Concrete surfaces radiate warmth, metal sheds absorb heat and rows of parked vehicles reduce open breathing space. Sparse tree cover and limited open areas make afternoons especially difficult for those working outdoors.The impact is most visible among migrant labourers and mechanics who spend long hours repairing vehicles, welding or handling equipment despite high temperatures.“What can we do? It is very hot, but work cannot stop. If we don’t work, we don’t earn,” said Sameer, an automobile workshop worker, pausing briefly between jobs. “Most of us are here to support our families,” he added.For many, relocating is not a viable option. A tailor from Uttar Pradesh who runs a rented shop said Burail continues to remain commercially important despite the conditions.“People come here because work is affordable. Business is okay, and that is why we stay,” he said. “But summers are difficult. There is very little open space and hardly any room for trees like in other parts of Chandigarh,” he added.Urban climate researchers link such heat hotspots to high built density, paved surfaces, heavy traffic and limited vegetation. In Burail, however, these factors translate into everyday discomfort—overheated rooms, congested lanes and workdays that continue through the heat.Why Burail heats upIdentified hotspot: PU study flags Burail among warmer urban pocketsTight built-up: Dense housing leaves little room for ventilationNarrow lanes: Poor airflow traps heat between structuresConcrete & metal: Surfaces radiate and retain heatHigh congestion: Workshops, parked vehicles add to thermal loadSparse green cover: Limited trees, open spaces reduce coolingLong outdoor hours: Mechanics, labourers bear peak heat stressQUOTESThe streets are narrow, there is hardly any cross-ventilation, and the population has increased significantly over the years — Seema, residentWhat can we do? It is very hot, but work cannot stop. If we don’t work, we don’t earn Sameer, workshop workerMost of us are here to support our familiesSameerPeople come here because work is affordable. Business is okay, and that is why we stayTailorBut summers are difficult. There is very little open space and hardly any room for trees like in other parts of ChandigarhTailor