Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) professor Atiqur Rahman received a ₹47.46 lakh research project from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The project will study how water bodies and trees reduce urban heat.
Study Focus
The project, titled ‘Reduction of Heat due to the Presence of Water Bodies and Tree Cover,’ will focus on three Indian cities. These cities represent different climates: Kolkata (warm and humid), Bengaluru (temperate), and Udaipur (semi-arid). This research aims to understand the cooling effects of natural elements in urban areas.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Urban areas face higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon is known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Factors contributing to UHI include built surfaces, less vegetation, and loss of water bodies. These elements alter how surfaces absorb and release heat. Increased temperatures in cities exacerbate heat stress, especially for low-income and vulnerable populations. This research seeks nature-based solutions to this growing problem.
Project Goals
The project’s primary goal is to quantify the role of water bodies and tree cover. These natural features offer cooling through evaporation and shade. They also help maintain surface energy balance. Professor Rahman, the project’s lead investigator, specializes in urban environmental management and climate change. His expertise includes UHI, water resources, and disaster management. The findings will provide data on effective urban planning strategies.