ABSTRACT
Delhi's’ informal settlements – raging from slums and unauthorised colonies to pavement dwellings – face heightened risks due to climate change and their illegal status. This study examines how urban informality, the climate crisis, and socio-political marginalisation intersects in the Delhi NCR, using qualitative analysis of select settlements. It investigates how heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and lack of infrastructure worsen vulnerabilities among marginalised groups. Thematic analysis reveals how residents navigate daily risks with minimal state support, exposing gaps in urban governance. Despite schemes like PM-UDAY and the JJ Rehabilitation Policy, informal dwellers remain excluded from legal recognition and infrastructure planning. The study calls for urgent policy reform to integrate informal settlements into climate adaption, aligning with SDG 11 to ensure inclusive and resilient urban-development.
