Tamil Nadu has released its first-ever report showing local heat rise due to city growth and disappearing green spaces. The study covered 389 blocks across districts like Chennai and Tiruvallur. Results show that 94 areas saw big heat jumps every decade. Twenty-five blocks are now “extremely heat-stressed” and face risks to health and farming.
Chennai grew quickly, with its built-up area moving from 48% to 74% between 1985 and 2015, The Hindu said. More buildings and fewer trees led to nighttime heat going up 4–6°C in main cities. St. Thomas Mount had five times more building area than before.
Experts suggest using nature-based solutions like planting trees and planning smarter cities. Adding green spaces and enforcing stronger climate rules can help protect people, food, and water.
About 150 days a year may soon feel very uncomfortable in Tamil Nadu. Smart planning, planting trees, and updating building codes are vital to lower future heat dangers here.
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