In News:

The Telangana Socio-Economic Outlook 2025 highlights a concerning rise in night-time temperatures in Hyderabad, attributed to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. This growing urban microclimatic issue has critical public health and environmental implications.

What is Urban Heat Island (UHI)?

• Definition: UHI is a climatic phenomenon where urban areas record significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural or peri-urban regions, particularly at night.
• Cause: Result of urbanization and human activities that alter land surfaces and trap heat.

Key Factors Contributing to UHI

• Reduced green cover: Shrinking vegetation limits natural cooling via shade and evapotranspiration.
• High density of concrete structures: Buildings and roads absorb solar radiation during the day and release heat slowly at night.
• Urban layout: Tall buildings and narrow streets trap warm air, reducing air circulation.
• Anthropogenic heat: Emissions from vehicles, air conditioners, and industries contribute to localized warming.
• Surface characteristics: Dark tarred roads absorb more heat and release it at night, worsening night-time UHI.

Hyderabad Case Study: Telangana Socio-Economic Outlook 2025

• Temperature Difference:
  • Night-time: Core city is 1.9°C warmer than surrounding peri-urban and outer zones.
  • Daytime: Interestingly, the core is 0.7°C cooler due to shade from tall buildings.
• Peak UHI Season: March to August.
• Most Affected Zones: High-rise, concrete-dense city centers with low vegetation.

Health Impacts of UHI

According to medical experts:

• Physical Effects:
  • Heat exhaustion & heat strokes
  • Dehydration, skin issues
  • Cardiovascular and kidney stress
• Vulnerable Groups: Elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.
• Biological Mechanism: Prolonged exposure increases pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to immune suppression and chronic fatigue.
• Mental Health: UHI contributes to sleep disturbances, psychological stress, and anxiety.

Government Response

• Clean and Green Energy Policy 2025: Telangana aims to promote cooler, greener cities.
• Recommended Actions:
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration among urban planners, healthcare professionals, and community experts.
  • Urban design incorporating green infrastructure and heat-resilient materials.