Uploaded on 2017-10-22 by Poornima Kumar

3. This is an image of a busy market area in Bengaluru known as Malleshwaram. This is how it looks in between peak hours, when traffic levels are comparatively low. During peak traffic hours, it is often so packed that it is impossible to walk or move through. Areas such as these are especially warm during the day and in the summer because of the urban heat island effect. The following factors contribute to aggravating it: 1. Completely paved (and dark) surfaces which absorb heat 2. Increasing loss of tree cover and green space in recent times 3. An increase in built area and consequent loss of open area 4. An increase in the use of materials such as concrete that absorb heat, and convey it indoors. This has also led to an increase in the use of airconditioning. 5. An increase in the number of private vehicles on the road in recent times.