Hyderabad: As Hyderabad’s concrete footprint expands and green cover shrinks, the city has emerged as one of the world’s 30 most heat-vulnerable urban centres. A recent study by the University of Oxford shows that residents here face a significantly higher risk from extreme temperatures – even more than those in most other Indian metros.The major reasons are rapid urbanisation, loss of tree cover and disappearance of water bodies.Experts point out how the growing count of high-rises has altered the city’s microclimate, while increasing dependence on air-conditioners has brought only temporary indoor relief, often worsening outdoor temperatures through heat discharge.As per the study, while cities such as Ahmedabad, Nagpur and Madurai have a higher risk factor, the situation is relatively better in larger metropolises such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and even Delhi.The study, ‘Moving Beyond Exposure: A Globally Comparable Framework for Heat Risk Assessment in Cities’, analysed 205 cities worldwide. It found Hyderabad’s core urban area, home to nearly 77 lakh people, recorded an overall heat-risk score of 0.68. This is only 0.5 to 0.10 less than top at-risk global cities such as Cairo, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City and way higher than the score of cities such as Bangkok and Hanoi.A score in heat risks, often called a heat vulnerability index, is an aggregate measure that combines multiple distinct factors to evaluate the overall danger an extreme heat event poses to a specific population or region. It means that Hyderabadis are more susceptible to heat-driven illnesses. Their access to cooling infrastructure – like ACs and green cover – is also limited, the study underlines.These findings gain significance amid repeated warnings from researchers about extreme heat becoming one of the deadliest consequences of climate change. They also come at a time when Hyderabad is already experiencing unprecedented summer conditions.Between April 1 and June 5 this year, the city recorded at least 47 days with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, the highest such count in a decade. The impact of rising temperatures is already being felt across the city with households struggling with soaring electricity bills and water shortages.“With over half of the world’s population already living in cities and that figure expected to rise to nearly two-thirds by 2050, urban centres are becoming major hotspots of climate risk,” the study noted.Doctors in the city also sounded the alarm bells.“Residents have to be cautious while venturing out during periods of extreme heat, as prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, fever and skin-related problems. While Hyderabad’s rapid growth and urban development are inevitable, individuals must take proactive steps to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses,” said B Ravinder Nayak, director of public health and family welfare, adding, “Staying adequately hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours and taking frequent breaks in shaded or cool environments can reduce health risks during hot weather.“Donthi Narasimha Reddy, Hyderabad based environmentalist, added:.”There is a need for immediate government intervention through policies that prioritise open spaces, expand urban green cover and promote climate-sensitive land-use planning. The liberal implementation of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) policies, which encourage high-rise construction and increased built-up areas is concerning. Without adequate environmental safeguards, such development could intensify Hyderabad’s heat stress and undermine the city’s long-term climate resilience.”
