Lucknow as scientific experts push forward with efforts to reduce the city’s intensifying urban heat.
Drawing on over a decade’s worth of satellite-derived land surface temperature (LST) data and extensive on-ground surveys, a research body has categorised 20 neighbourhoods into high, moderate, and low heat zones. This mapping forms the core of an advanced plant-based strategy designed to tackle the growing impact of the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which continues to push up temperatures in densely built-up parts of the city. This approach reimagines green infrastructure not just as ornamental landscaping, but as a central tool in urban climate governance. Cities like Lucknow, which face the dual pressures of population growth and declining green cover, are being re-evaluated through the lens of thermal performance. Cooler zones such as forested and park-rich areas are being studied to understand the ecological balance they maintain, while heat-heavy localities—especially those with dense construction and limited shade—are being prioritised for targeted greening interventions.
Researchers working on the project have documented over 50 species of native and climate-resilient trees, distributed across varying LST profiles. These species are now being evaluated not only for their capacity to reduce surface temperatures but also for their survivability under extreme heat, water efficiency, and their ability to regulate local humidity. The long-term objective is to develop location-specific planting models that balance environmental performance with aesthetic and cultural value—turning tree-planting into a form of urban climate engineering. Initial findings reveal that areas surrounding city parks, botanical gardens, and reserved forests consistently exhibit lower surface temperatures, often several degrees cooler than highly built-up extensions and newer housing belts. The variation in temperature between these zones provides actionable insights for planning authorities and civic bodies. It enables the selection of appropriate vegetation for each thermal zone and paves the way for hyper-localised, evidence-driven urban forestry.
Further monitoring is scheduled through the summer months, with a comprehensive LST zoning report due later in the year. This evolving matrix is expected to guide city-wide efforts in mitigating heat stress while enhancing liveability, reducing energy demand, and promoting ecological balance. As India’s cities contend with the increasing frequency of heatwaves and erratic climate patterns, such initiatives represent a shift towards low-carbon, nature-based urban strategies that are equitable, inclusive, and scientifically grounded. This endeavour, centred on restoring the natural cooling power of trees, reinforces the urgent need for urban policies to align with climate goals. With the tools of satellite technology, data analytics, and ecological insight coming together, Lucknow is positioning itself as a model for sustainable urban transformation—where thoughtful planting becomes a pathway to reclaim comfort, health, and resilience for its citizens.
Lucknow plots plant-powered cooling zones
