Study Links Bengaluru’s Rising Heat to Expanding Built-Up Areas

Fast Summary:

• A study reveals Bengaluru’s rising temperatures due to urbanisation with 15.41 sq. km experiencing very high heat and only 168.93 sq. km under favourable ecological thermal conditions.
• Bengaluru’s built-up area increased by 1,078% from 1973 (7.97%) to a projected 87.64% in 2025, with vegetation cover and water bodies declining by 88% and 79%, respectively.
• the Urban Heat island (UHI) archipelago effect is prominent in eastern and northern Bengaluru due to increased paved surfaces like buildings and roads alongside diminished porous surfaces like vegetation and lakes.
• Comparative ambient temperature trends show May temperatures rising from around 16°C in the ’70s to a projected high of 34°C for May in the year 2025.
• The city has experienced distinct phases of rapid urbanisation driven by public sector industries (1973-1992), globalization/IT sector growth (~1990s), private industrial expansions post-2000, leading into lower-density urban sprawl beyond municipal limits post-2021.
• Recommendations include increasing green spaces, rejuvenating lakes for groundwater recharge, creating mini native forests within wards, ensuring at least 30% open green spaces per plot development, among others.

Photo description: Image caption indicates UHI archipelago effects visible as broader areas of elevated temperature especially noticeable in certain zones of Bengaluru.

Read more

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The study underscores how unchecked urbanisation over five decades has drastically altered Bengaluru’s environmental equilibrium. The sharp increase in built-up areas correlates directly with rising temperatures due to reduced greenery and water absorption capacity-essential features that once mitigated heat effects naturally. Importantly, identifying the Urban Heat Island archipelagos provides actionable insights into zones requiring immediate intervention.

The implications are importent: escalating temperatures impact public health, energy demands for cooling systems may rise sharply, while socio-economic structures could be strained under resource pressures tied to climate adaptation measures. Policy recommendations focusing on integrating green infrastructure-such as restoring natural hydrology through lake rejuvenation or creating localized mini forests-reflect practical solutions aimed at enduring urban planning moving forward.

Given its pivotal role as India’s IT hub coupled with rapid population growth,its crucial that city-specific issues such as heat mitigation strategies gain priority within Revised Master Plans like RMP2031 if long-term livability standards are preserved amidst ongoing development pressures.