Concrete fever: On India and heat management

Source: The post “Concrete fever: On India and heat management” has been created based on “Concrete fever: On India and heat management” published in “The Hindu” on 30th May 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2: Governance

Context: Urban heat islands (UHIs) refer to urban areas experiencing significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural regions due to human activities and built-up infrastructure. Climate change has intensified this phenomenon, making Indian cities increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat events.

Causes of Urban Heat Islands and Rising Urban Heat Stress

1. Climate Change-Induced Temperature Rise

1. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heatwaves across India.
2. Heatwave zones covering central, northwestern, and eastern coastal regions have expanded.
3. The number of heatwave days has increased significantly over the decades.

2. Loss of Green Cover: Rapid urbanization has reduced vegetation and tree cover in cities. The absence of greenery decreases natural cooling through shade and evapotranspiration.
3. Expansion of Concrete Surfaces: Roads, buildings, and other impervious surfaces absorb and retain heat. Concrete-dominated landscapes increase ambient temperatures.
4. Use of Heat-Absorbing Construction Materials: Conventional building materials trap and radiate heat. Dark surfaces contribute to higher surface and air temperatures.
5. Waste Heat from Human Activities: Air conditioners release heat into the surrounding environment. Industrial and commercial activities add to urban heat accumulation.
6. Unequal Exposure to Heat: Urban heat islands can be 2°C to 10°C hotter than nearby rural areas. While affluent populations use cooling devices, outdoor workers, vendors, and vulnerable groups face greater exposure to extreme heat.

Measures to Mitigate Urban Heat Stress

1. Mandate Green Cover

1. Cities should increase urban forests, parks, roadside plantations, and green belts.
2. Green spaces help lower temperatures and improve microclimates.

2. Promote Reflective and Cool Materials

1. Reflective roofs, cool pavements, and heat-resistant construction materials should be adopted.
2. Such materials reduce heat absorption and surface temperatures.

3. Climate-Sensitive Urban Planning

1. Urban planning should integrate heat mitigation strategies into master plans.
2. Building designs should improve ventilation and reduce heat retention.

4. Protect Existing Labour Force

1. Governments should enforce heat action plans for outdoor workers.
2. Work-hour adjustments, hydration facilities, and shaded rest areas should be provided during extreme heat conditions.

5. Mainstream Heat Management in Governance

1. Heat resilience should become a regular component of urban governance and budgeting.
2. Dedicated financial allocations are required for long-term heat adaptation measures.

6. Reduce Dependence on Energy-Intensive Cooling

1. Sustainable cooling solutions and energy-efficient technologies should be promoted.
2. This can reduce the cycle of increasing air-conditioner use and waste heat generation.

Conclusion: Urban heat islands represent the interaction of climate change and unplanned urbanization. India must mandate green cover, adopt reflective materials, and integrate heat management into urban planning to build climate-resilient and equitable cities while protecting vulnerable populations from rising heat stress.

Question: Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the Urban Heat Island effect in India. Examine its causes and impacts on vulnerable populations. Suggest suitable mitigation strategies.

Source: The Hindu