Jamia Professor Atiqur Rahman Gets INR 47 Lakh Project To Study Urban Heat. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has sanctioned a major research project to a faculty member of Jamia Millia Islamia. The study aims to analyse how natural urban elements such as water bodies and tree cover can help reduce rising city temperatures. The project, titled “Study on the Reduction of Heat due to the Presence of Water Bodies and Tree Cover,” has been approved with funding of INR 47.46 lakh. It will investigate the role of nature-based solutions in addressing the urban heat island effect in rapidly growing Indian cities.
Research Focus on Urban Heat Island Effect in Indian Cities
Urban areas often experience significantly higher temperatures than nearby rural regions. This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island effect, occurs due to dense construction, reduced vegetation, and the disappearance of natural water bodies. The research project aims to understand and quantify how lakes, ponds, rivers, and urban tree cover contribute to lowering temperatures in cities. These elements provide cooling through evaporation, shading, and maintaining surface energy balance, which can reduce heat intensity in urban environments. The findings are expected to help policymakers and urban planners design cities that are more resilient to climate change and extreme heat conditions.
Study To Cover Cities From Different Climatic Zones
To generate comparative data, the study will focus on three Indian cities representing different climatic conditions. Each city offers a unique urban environment for analysing temperature variations and cooling effects. The cities selected for the research include:
- Kolkata – Warm and humid climate
- Bengaluru – Temperate climate
- Udaipur – Semi-arid climate
Researchers will examine how the presence or absence of green spaces and water bodies influences temperature patterns in these regions.
Expected Impact on Climate-Resilient Urban Planning
Urban heat has emerged as a growing challenge for many Indian cities due to rapid urbanisation and changing climate conditions. Higher temperatures can lead to heat stress, increased energy consumption, and public health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. The project aims to provide evidence-based insights that can guide sustainable city planning and climate adaptation strategies. The results may support policies that promote the preservation of water bodies and expansion of tree cover in urban areas. The research also aligns with national and global sustainability goals focused on building inclusive, safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable cities.
About the Research Lead
The project will be led by Professor Atiqur Rahman, Head of the Department of Geography at Jamia Millia Islamia. His research work focuses on urban environmental management, climate change, water resources, and disaster management. .Over the years, the professor has contributed extensively to environmental research, publishing numerous academic papers and guiding doctoral scholars in the field of urban climate studies. The new project is expected to strengthen research on urban climate resilience and sustainable city design, contributing to broader efforts to address rising temperatures in Indian metropolitan regions.