Uploaded on 2016-03-05 by sujata_hazarika

Ans. The city of Guwahati is a small scale city and is still in its developing stage. However, the effects of UHI is gradually become evident in the city area. It can be seen in - 1. Rising temperatures and dry micro-climate. 2. Extremely humid during summers in the city area compared to the outskirts of Guwahati. 3. The trees and plantation turn dry and loses its greenery because of increasing temperatures and rising pollution. The pictures below show the difference very prominently. The view of the sky itself makes it very evident. In the city area, the effect of pollution is clearly visible to the eye. In the rural zone, the sky is perfectly blue and clear. ![AREA OF MY RESIDENCE][1] *AREA OF MY RESIDENCE* ![][2] *RURAL OUTSKIRTS OF GUWAHATI* **Q. Which are the measures you would propose?** Ans. Even though the Urban Heat Island effect is not highly prominent in my city, the effect is still evident and can be felt once we start moving away from the city area. Several measures need to be taken for the same, but as priority I would want to propose the following - 1. **Landscaping :** It is highly important to have greenery in the city to cool it down. Recent development in Guwahati is witnessing a lot of hardscapes. The new residential apartments have been neglecting greenery to a great extent and converting their area into complete paved zones. I would like to propose having more green areas in the cities, converting barren lands into landscaped areas, having more of open green areas in one's own compound, and also plantations on the road sides and on dividers to keep the temperature down. 2. **Vehicle Scrutiny :** One major reason for the city of Guwahati being polluted is the vehicles. Even though the pollution testing department of the state has been taking measures to not allow the smoke releasing vehicles to run on road, there are still a huge number of vehicles still being used. Also, the public buses release a huge amount of smoke which adds to the already heated up city. There are also many private vehicles which are not well maintained and pose a harm to the environment, contributing to the UHI effect. **Q. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area?** Ans. As per my knowledge, in my city there are no any measures being taken for the UHI effect. This is probably because the effects are not highly prominent yet. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14571767944554796.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1457177146432386.jpg