Urban heat threat intensifies across Hyderabad

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Growing concerns over rising urban temperatures dominated discussions at the ‘Urban Heat Data Jam’ held in the city on Saturday, where experts cautioned that unchecked development and shrinking green cover could worsen heat stress in the coming years. The event was organised by OpenCity.in, an initiative of Oorvani Foundation, in collaboration with Uncharted Science, IIIT-Hyderabad, Climate Front Telangana and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union.

The workshop brought together GIS specialists, researchers, engineers, students and citizens to analyse patterns linked to the urban heat island effect. Using data mapping tools, participants examined how rapid infrastructure growth, declining tree cover, dense construction, industrial activity and waste dumping sites are contributing to rising surface temperatures in several neighbourhoods.

Localities including Hitec City, Uppal, Borabanda, Gachibowli and Jawaharnagar were studied to understand how heat exposure varies across socio-economic groups. Experts highlighted that vulnerable communities often face greater risks due to inadequate housing, limited ventilation and lack of shaded public spaces.

Participants noted that while areas with lakes and greenery remain relatively cooler, heavily industrialised and densely built zones are witnessing alarming temperature spikes. In certain industrial clusters and informal settlements, surface temperatures can climb above 45 degrees Celsius during peak summer, significantly increasing health risks for daily wage workers and residents.

Organisers said the findings underline the need for immediate, data-driven interventions such as expanding urban green cover, protecting water bodies and improving heat-resilient infrastructure to safeguard the city’s most vulnerable populations.