To develop a long-term solution for UHI effect that could be implemented not only at the city scale through master plans but also at building level through improved DCRs
Urban Heat Island (UHI) is the phenomenon which leads to increase in the temperature in certain areas as compared to surrounding areas, often due to the effects of a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors (Yang et al., 2016). Research on UHI effects have been undertaken since as early as the 19th century. Some of the influencing attributes of UHI are: properties and structure of the underlying surface, vegetation coverage, population density and weather conditions. India has seen rapid urbanization over the past decades, and according to the 2011 Census of India, there are 474 towns which are in the Class II category (50,000-99,999). Class II cities today will eventually grow to become the larger cities of tomorrow, especially given the emphasis laid by plan and policymaking in the past (e.g. http://tcpo.gov.in/integrated-development-small-medium-towns). It is important to bring policy and regulatory changes in these cities so that stress due to urbanization and climate change manifesting in the form of UHI effects can be reduced. Making changes in already developed cities is difficult, but systemic changes through modified development control regulations (DCRs). This could be achieved by planning for setbacks, optimizing land utilization through planned density and configuration of the built environment, allocation of planned green and blue spaces, and construction materials can shape the future of these growing cities.
The land surface temperature for the three cities- Itanagar, Kohima and Silvassa have been analysed along with its relationship to the vegetation, urban built-up land and the Fractional Impervious Surfaces (FIS). Our quantitative studies, based on raster data analysis, shows correlation between these factors and Land Surface Temperature (LST). This helped us in gauging evidence-based solutions that provide more than the short-term respite from UHI effect, by transforming the city in a manner that it is resistant and responsive to the effects of UHI in the longer run.
November 2023
Ongoing
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