India, May 28 -- A low-cost rooftop cooling method demonstrated by a man during India's ongoing heatwave has gone viral on social media, with claims that it can significantly lower roof temperatures and reduce dependence on air conditioners.

The viral video shows Ritesh standing barefoot on a rooftop despite outdoor temperatures touching 44degC. He explains that a special coating applied on the roof helps keep the surface temperature around 28-30degC during peak afternoon heat.

According to Ritesh, the cooling mixture is prepared using lump lime (chuna), Fevicol DDL binder and a waterproofing compound known as Universal Repair Polymer (URP). He claimed the entire treatment for a 1,000-square-foot rooftop costs roughly Rs 800 to Rs 850....