STUDY OF TEMPERATURE PROFILE ON VARIOUS LAND USE AND LAND COVER FOR EMERGING HEAT ISLAND

Abstract

Greater Hyderabad a twin city in earlier days, has grown into a tricity of Cyberabad - Hyderabad – Secunderabad. This concentrated development with impetus on industrialization has led to unprecedented urbanization and sprawl, resulting in heavy population growth and ultimately raising serious challenges such as traffic congestion, enhanced Green House Gas (GHG) emissions causing climatic changes apart from over-use of basic amenities and infrastructure. This study shows that urban areas have grown from a mere 172 sq km of MCH (Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad) in the 1970’s to a whopping 1905 sq km at present, currently known as the Greater Hyderabad Metropolitan Corporation. The phenomenon of Urban Heat Island (UHI) can be observed in several localities. The pattern of growth of Greater Hyderabad and its repercussions on the local climate are studied with the help of geospatial technologies. An increase of ~20C to 2.50C is observed over the last 2 decades. The Vegetation and water bodies also show a sharp decline.