Tamil Nadu's first block-level heat stress mapping rings alarm bells
J Jeyaranjan, Executive Vice Chairman of State Planning Commission, said Tamil Nadu is witnessing rapid urbanisation and economic growth, but this progress comes with significant climate challenges. "This study provides critical insights into how urban expansion and land use changes affect local climate conditions at the block level. Such research is essential for ensuring that policies are backed by data and that development remains sustainable. Moving forward, the integration of climate data into land use planning, enforcement of urban regulations, and increased investments in green and blue infrastructure must be prioritised."
One of the study's key insights is the growing severity of night-time land surface temperatures (LST) -- a metric linked to heat retention and human discomfort. Between 2000-2005 and 2018-2023, night-time LST rose by nearly 4 degree Celsius in major urban centres like Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore and Tiruchi. Across the state, average night-time LST increased by 2 degree Celsius, indicating widespread thermal stress.
The combined effect of reduced vegetation and increased impervious surfaces like concrete has amplified the urban heat island (UHI) effect, particularly in fast-expanding zones and ecologically sensitive hilly terrain.
With thermal discomfort days projected to increase from 107 to 150 days per year by 2050, the report warns that urban heat is becoming a major public health and infrastructure risk. "This is not a future problem -- it's happening now. And unless we adapt at the micro level, block by block, we will see cascading impacts on agriculture, health, water security, and the economy," the report states.
The report recommends a multipronged approach, including integrating thermal data into local planning, enforcing climate-sensitive building codes, and investing in nature-based solutions like blue-green infrastructure and urban forests.
A separate report titled 'Framework for Nature-based Solution (NbS) for enhancing Urban Resilience in Tier 2 cities' also by the State Planning Commission, highlights the potential of NbS to reduce disaster risks, improve urban liveability and restore ecosystem services. It also touches upon the importance of early intervention in Tier 2 cities to avoid unsustainable development.
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