Bengaluru: Experts are sounding the alarm over the climate crisis in the city, warning of rising temperatures and dire environmental consequences if corrective measures are not taken. A study published in the international journal ‘Advances in Environmental and Engineering Research’ highlights the potential transformation of Bengaluru into a boiling cauldron due to factors such as water scarcity, diminishing green cover, and increased built-up areas.
According to the study titled ‘Environmental consequences in the neighborhood of rapid unplanned urbanization in Bengaluru city,’ the topography of Bengaluru is on the verge of drastic change, posing a threat to the well-being of its citizens. The researchers, from the Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and the city-based Chanakya University, conducted the study with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
Prof TV Ramachandra, one of the authors of the study from the Centre for Ecological Sciences, warned that between 1973 and 2022, Bengaluru witnessed a 51.8% increase in built-up areas while experiencing a 26.2% decline in green cover, equivalent to 177.2 square kilometers. The study projects that by 2038, another 14.3 square kilometers of native green cover will be lost as the built-up area expands by 1,536 square kilometers.
The loss of heat sinks such as water bodies and green cover will further contribute to the rise in land surface temperature, significantly impacting Bengaluru’s microclimate. Already witnessing an increase of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius in temperature, further elevation could lead to a surge in vector-borne diseases.
The study also highlights the concern that development activities outside the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike jurisdiction are outpacing infrastructure growth within the city itself. Researchers like Tulika Mondal, Bharath Setturu, and Bharath H Aithal, collaborated on the study, shedding light on the urgent need for a different strategy to address the multiple challenges confronting Bengaluru.
The findings serve as a stark reminder of the critical state Bengaluru finds itself in, requiring immediate attention from the government and policymakers. The city’s sustainability and residents’ well-being hang in the balance, as the consequences of unchecked urbanization loom large. Urgent interventions are necessary to reverse the alarming trends of dwindling green spaces, soaring temperatures, and potential health hazards.
As Bengaluru grapples with the intensifying climate crisis, the responsibility falls upon authorities to prioritize sustainable development and implement measures to mitigate the adverse effects. Failure to do so may result in irreversible damage to the city’s ecology and the quality of life for its inhabitants.
The future of Bengaluru hinges on strategic planning and collaborative efforts between authorities, environmental experts, and the community. By recognizing the gravity of the climate crisis and taking immediate action, Bengaluru can hope for a greener, cooler, and more resilient future.
Disclaimer: The above article is based on the details provided and does not include any explicit notes about adherence to guidelines.
