Apropos article ‘Of a heat-trapped reality check’ in the column ‘Footloose in Nagpur’ by Vijay Phanshikar published in The Hitavada CityLine dated May 28, highlights harsh summer being faced by not only Nagpurians but also citizens of other places in Vidarbha. Chandrapur, Wardha, Amravati, Yavatmal, Gadchiroli are reeling under intense heat never seen before. The Editor has pointed towards the temperature reading of cement road. But, harsh summer is not only experienced in Nagpur but all over India also. This indicates that there is a significant change in climate. This year, the temperature has flared up since early April which is uncommon, if we see the past year record. Our city gardens can play a major role in giving respite to citizens from heat. However, there is no watering in public gardens by local civic authorities.

 

The big trees are looking green but the other plants are drying up due to scarcity of water. The NMC has installed green shade nets at traffic squares which are certainly giving some respite from scorching heat to those outdoors but the plants growing on the dividers are starving for water. Nagpur has been gifted by nature by many lakes which should be cleaned of Hyacinth, so that water surface is exposed which will contribute in reducing temperature. Besides, minimising vehicular traffic and restricting combustion-engine vehicles in specific zones lowers emission of waste heat into atmosphere.