Delhi braces for summer with refreshing orange squash

As the summer heat settles in, Delhiites prepare for soaring temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius over the next week. Despite the rising mercury, residents continue their daily routines in the sweltering weather.

In response to the heatwave, civil society springs into action to provide relief to parched citizens. The Robin Hood Army, a volunteer-based organisation, mobilises surplus food donations from the community to distribute to those in need. Amidst the scorching heat, the organisation launches its inaugural Chabeel drive of the year.

Although Chabeel is traditionally a mixture of Rooh Afza with water or milk, this year’s drive offers orange squash mixed with water to residents of Delhi.

Located in Tagore Garden, the drive coincided with the bustling Sunday market on April 7, attracting shopkeepers, pedestrians, and motorists alike to the stall for a refreshing glass of squash. Akshat, a 22-year-old volunteer, explains that in the four-hour drive, they distributed approximately 3,000 glasses to the community.

“It took us 24 volunteers to empty the 120-odd bottles of squash,” he added.

Vijeta, an undergraduate student, expressed satisfaction in aiding others during the impending summer season. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds, predominantly youth, enthusiastically served cold glasses of squash to thirsty individuals, ensuring that as many people as possible benefit from the initiative.