Ahmedabad Implements Bold Strategies for Intense Summer
As temperatures in Ahmedabad soar to a blistering 40°C even before mid-March, the city is bracing for what promises to be an extraordinarily hot summer. This early onset of heat has set alarm bells ringing among city officials, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) taking swift and decisive action to mitigate the effects of the scorching weather. As part of a proactive Heat Action Plan, the AMC has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at providing relief to residents while also fostering an environment of sustainability in the face of rising temperatures.
The first major measure being implemented is the installation of green nets at major traffic junctions. These nets will provide much-needed shade to commuters waiting at signals, offering them a brief respite from the relentless sun. The green nets will also be placed at AMTS and BRTS bus stops, ensuring that people waiting for public transport have access to a shaded space. These simple yet effective measures reflect a shift towards making the city’s infrastructure more climate-conscious and responsive to the needs of the citizens during extreme weather events. But the plan doesn’t stop there. In an effort to further alleviate the discomfort of commuters, the AMC has made the decision to turn off traffic signals between 11 AM and 4 PM, the hottest part of the day. This move aims to prevent traffic from coming to a standstill at intersections, thus ensuring that people are not trapped in the intense heat for prolonged periods. Low-traffic junctions will also be made non-operational from 11 AM to 5 PM, allowing for smoother movement and reducing the strain on the city’s traffic system during peak heat hours.
In a particularly noteworthy step towards combating dehydration—a major health risk during extreme heat—the AMC will be setting up water stations across the city, particularly at bus stops and urban health centres. These stations will be equipped with oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets, which are crucial for preventing dehydration. The city’s public gardens are also taking part in the Heat Action Plan, extending their operational hours from 6 AM to 11 PM. This will allow residents to enjoy outdoor spaces when temperatures are more bearable, creating a conducive environment for relaxation and well-being. Perhaps one of the most innovative features of this initiative is the “cool roof” scheme, which will involve the application of reflective white paint on roofs throughout the city. This initiative, aimed at reducing the heat island effect, will help cool down buildings and surrounding areas, providing long-term benefits for residents and contributing to the city’s overall sustainability goals. The reflective paint will deflect the sun’s rays, preventing buildings from absorbing excessive heat and, in turn, lowering the ambient temperature.
In schools managed by the AMC School Board, a “water bell” will ring every hour, reminding students to drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day. This initiative is a part of the larger effort to protect vulnerable groups, such as children, from the dangers of heat-related illnesses. Meanwhile, the city’s 95 fountains will remain operational, offering cooling effects to the public and enhancing the city’s efforts to create more green and shaded spaces in urban areas. These measures are not just a response to the immediate threat posed by the rising temperatures, but are part of a broader commitment to creating a sustainable, climate-resilient Ahmedabad. The city is taking a holistic approach, balancing urgent relief with long-term solutions aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. The innovative strategies being implemented by the AMC provide an exemplary model of how cities can adapt to the challenges of extreme weather while fostering an equitable, green, and gender-neutral urban environment.
While the effectiveness of these initiatives will only be fully visible in the coming months, the actions taken by the AMC demonstrate a clear commitment to improving public health and urban livability in the face of escalating climate challenges. As Ahmedabad’s residents prepare for a summer unlike any before, these measures offer a glimmer of hope that, despite the intense heat, the city is equipped to protect its citizens and ensure their well-being.
