A recent study conducted by researchers at NIT Trichy has shed light on the intricate relationship between urban heat and pollution in Hyderabad. Titled ‘Quantifying urban heat island and pollutant nexus:
A novel geospatial approach,’ the study employed sophisticated mapping techniques to identify areas experiencing elevated temperatures correlated with heightened concentrations of pollutants. Key findings from the study indicate that areas such as Asif Nagar, Charminar, Golkonda, and others exhibited temperatures over 2.6°C higher compared to surrounding regions, coinciding with increased levels of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), formaldehyde (HCHO), aerosols, and sulphur dioxide (SO2). This correlation underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions in urban planning and policy formulation to mitigate the adverse impacts of urban heat and pollution.
Analysing data spanning four years, from 2019 to 2022, the study observed a surge in CO, NO2, and O3 concentrations in urban areas experiencing higher temperatures, with urban regions consistently displaying significantly higher pollution levels compared to rural counterparts. The ramifications of prolonged exposure to such pollutants on public health, particularly among vulnerable demographics like children and the elderly, cannot be overstated, as respiratory and cardiovascular complications may ensue. The study advocates for a paradigm shift in urban development practices, emphasising the incorporation of spatial pollutant distribution and thermal dynamics in infrastructure design and green space allocation. “Incorporating measures to mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce pollutant emissions should be an integral part of urban development strategies,”
Moreover, it underscores the imperative for collective action, calling for community engagement initiatives and participatory approaches to foster sustainable urban environments resilient to climate change impacts. This study not only underscores the urgent need for holistic approaches to urban planning but also highlights the symbiotic relationship between urban heat and pollution, necessitating concerted efforts in public health management and environmental protection
