Describe the causes of the phenomenon of 'urban heat island'. What are the effective measures to deal with this phenomenon in India?
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon refers to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to their surrounding rural regions. This localized warming arises due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors.
The primary cause is the modification of land surfaces. Natural vegetation is replaced with concrete, asphalt, and buildings, which absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night. The lack of evapotranspiration further reduces natural cooling. High population density and vehicular traffic contribute through waste heat, while industries and power plants release additional thermal energy. Tall buildings create an urban canyon effect, trapping heat and limiting air circulation. Air pollution and suspended particulate matter also absorb and re-radiate heat, intensifying UHI conditions.
In India, cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad show strong UHI effects, with night-time temperatures significantly higher than rural surroundings. This has consequences for public health, energy demand (air conditioning), and overall urban livability.
To address UHI, multiple measures can be implemented. Urban greening, such as parks, vertical gardens, and tree-lined avenues, increases shading and evapotranspiration. Cool roofs and reflective building materials reduce heat absorption. Expanding water bodies and rainwater harvesting structures in cities enhances the cooling effect. Planning measures like mixed land use, reduced traffic congestion, and compact but ventilated city layouts can lower heat retention. Use of public transport and cleaner fuels cuts down heat emissions from vehicles. On a policy level, programs like the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat encourage energy-efficient urban planning and green infrastructure.
In conclusion, the UHI phenomenon is a product of unplanned urbanization and intensive human activity. A combination of technological, ecological, and planning interventions is essential for Indian cities to mitigate rising urban temperatures and ensure climate-resilient growth.
Answered By:
Why cottage industries in India are an integral part of Indian socio-economic structure? Assess this with reference to different types of cottage industries in rural India.
"The rural settlements in India are highly diversified due to both physical and cultural factors." Justify the statement with examples.
How can rural-urban fringe be delineated? Explain with suitable examples from India.
"Spatial distribution of religious groups in India does not show any specific pattern." Illustrate with arguments.
"Watershed is the most appropriate spatial unit for planning." Comment.
Is North East India a geo-political or geo-cultural region? Justify your answer.
Discuss the necessary conditions for the cultivation of fox nuts and describe the areas of its production in India.
With reference to the transport and communication network of India, critically discuss the Sagarmala project.
What are the key features of sex-ratio of population in India ? Evaluate the impacts of child sex-ratio on general sex-ratio in the country.
Explain the factors that contribute to droughts in India with specific reference to food production, distribution and availability. Can Indian agricultural policies resolve the issue?
How will you manage a case of misplaced copper-T (Cu-T)?
Describe the embryogenesis, clinical features and principles of management of cleft palate.
Write short notes in 150 words:
Metagenesis
Write short notes in 150 words:
Book lungs
Write short notes in 150 words:
Paedomorphosis