The ‘Hot City’ Alert

With temperatures in Thane city reaching 38 to 40 degree Celsius, it’s evident that the “Urban Heat Island” effect is intensifying due to increasing concretization. Thane, once known for its lush greenery, is becoming a web of cement and concrete, directly impacting the environment and health of its citizens.

The reduced capacity of trees and open spaces has led to an increase in the heat storage within the city. There is a growing trend of cutting down large, shady trees and replacing them with decorative or fast-growing trees that have low environmental utility, making the situation more serious.

According to urban environmentalists, open lands, water bodies, and dense tree cover are crucial for natural cooling. The concrete and asphalt roads, construction, and glass-walled buildings absorb heat and retain it for long periods. Glass buildings create a “Greenhouse Effect” at the local level. Sunlight enters but the heat cannot fully escape, raising the surrounding temperature.

Experts warn of a potential rise in cases of heatstroke, respiratory diseases, and heart diseases. Senior citizens, children, and those working outdoors are particularly vulnerable to these conditions.

To bring the situation under control, environmentalists suggest that it is essential to-

• Increase ‘Green Cover’ in the city
• Implement rainwater harvesting
• Protect open lands
• Adopt ‘Cool Roof’ technology

Prioritising environmental balance in urban planning has become the need of the hour. Only by implementing scientific and eco-friendly measures in time can the future risks be mitigated.