In Bengaluru, one of India’s largest cities, a novel portable shelter has been introduced, reflecting a growing awareness of climate change and its extreme temperature impacts. The innovative Neralu shelter, a contest-winning design, was showcased at the Sweat and Concrete 2025 event in late May. Held alongside a theatrical performance and heat-related studies, the event aimed to highlight the challenges faced by outdoor workers in severe heat conditions and the urgent need for solutions.
The exhibition’s organizer, Kanishk Kabiraj, emphasized the importance of not just discussing the issue but also developing tangible solutions through innovative models. Neralu, which translates to “shade” in the local language Kannada, offers a practical and affordable option. It features a lightweight structure composed of a frame supporting a shade, bench, and ventilating angled slats operated manually. Costing approximately $175, it’s crafted from metal, fiber-reinforced plastic, and plywood. Weighing about 15 kilograms, this compact shelter can accommodate up to four individuals, is easily assembled on outdoor walls, and can be transported using tuk-tuks.
Madhe Gowda, a 62-year-old fruit vendor attending the exhibit, expressed how beneficial such a shelter could be, noting that extreme heat causes his produce to spoil and hampers his mobility. Neralu emerged victorious over 19 other designs in a competition held to devise heat shelters for outdoor workers. Ankritya Diggavi, one of Neralu’s architects, drew inspiration from observing outdoor workers and their creative but makeshift solutions using umbrellas and tarpaulins.
The architects of Neralu revealed that the shelters could be crafted from recycled materials, particularly from the automotive industry, and tailored to suit local conditions and resources. Sagar Kandal, another designer, noted their focus on simplicity, affordability, and ease of assembly. Interest from various public and private entities indicates a promising future for these shelters in the city. The Indian Meteorological Department’s data points to rising extreme heat events, attributed to climate change and urban sprawl.
As many Indian states work on heat and climate adaptation plans, the Neralu shelter represents a viable option for any heat-affected city looking for cost-effective solutions. Tamanna Dalal, a researcher with the Sustainable Futures Collaborative, highlighted the growing issue of urban heat islands, where parts of a city become significantly warmer than surrounding areas. She stressed the importance of adaptable, locally considerate shelters as crucial for coping with worsening heat conditions.
India, a country acutely vulnerable to climate change, has seen severe impacts, including floods, heatwaves, and cyclones, claiming 80,000 lives and causing nearly $180 billion in economic damage from 1993 to 2022. The International Labor Organization warns that rising temperatures could cost India up to 34 million jobs by 2030.
Amid the discussions at the event, construction worker P. Kumaravel welcomed the shelter concept but noted that reliable public transport and health insurance remain paramount needs for workers like him. He recounted this year’s severe heat, which caused health issues, stressing that while shelters provide some relief, they alone do not suffice.
As India grapples with climate challenges, initiatives like the Neralu shelter demonstrate a proactive approach to help safeguard the country’s workforce against escalating temperatures.