Chandigarh: As the city observes World Environment Day, a study by Panjab University has highlighted increasing thermal contrasts across Chandigarh. Sector 45, also known as Burail, has emerged as the hottest urban pocket in the latest land surface temperature mapping, while areas around Sukhna Lake and green corridors continue to provide relative cooling.
Study Methodology and Key Findings
The satellite-based assessment, conducted by Panjab University geoinformatics researcher Jashandeep Kakkar, points to a growing urban heat island effect. This phenomenon occurs when built-up areas absorb and retain more heat than surrounding green spaces. The findings indicate rising pressure on Chandigarh's balance between greenery and planned urbanization as dense construction expands. The study utilized Landsat satellite data, including thermal infrared, red, and near-infrared bands, to evaluate the impact of land-use patterns on surface heat.
The May 2026 thermal map places Sector 45 in the highest temperature range recorded in the city. Researchers attribute this to dense construction, congestion, reduced vegetation, and the dominance of heat-retaining surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Other warmer zones include commercial hubs like Sectors 17 and 34, industrial areas near Sectors 29 and 31, and densely urbanized peripheral pockets.
Unplanned Areas and Peripheral Expansion
The study also shows that unplanned or highly congested areas tend to register higher temperatures. Similar patterns were observed in villages and dense habitations adjoining the planned sectors, as well as in parts of Zirakpur and Mohali, where rapid urban expansion has transformed open spaces into built-up landscapes.
Cooling Buffers and Ecological Assets
In contrast, Chandigarh's ecological assets continue to act as natural cooling buffers. Sukhna Lake remains among the coolest regions, reaffirming its role as a key heat moderator. Northern sectors close to the lake and green belts, including Sectors 4, 5, and 6, recorded lower temperatures. The Leisure Valley stretch across Sectors 3, 10, 16, 23, and 36 also showed relatively cooler readings due to extensive tree cover and open spaces. Cooler patches were observed near the Patiala Ki Rao reserved forest area and the Panjab University Botanical Garden.
Implications and Expert Insights
Experts point out that land surface temperature differs from air temperature measured by weather stations, but remains an important indicator of how intensely surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and pavements heat up. This influences local microclimates and contributes to urban heat stress. Officials from the India Meteorological Department attribute rising heat levels to heat-retaining construction materials, emissions, and increasing night-time minimum temperatures that reduce cooling between successive days. Higher night temperatures allow heat to persist, leading to stronger daytime warming.
The impact is particularly significant for outdoor workers, including street vendors, sanitation workers, delivery personnel, traffic police, and security guards, who remain exposed to elevated surface heat for prolonged hours. IMD officials have advised residents to remain alert to heat warnings and use early warning systems during extreme conditions.
Recommendations for Sustainable Urban Planning
Assessing the findings, Jashandeep said residents should adopt solar-passive architecture, enhance green cover, and encourage pedestrian and cycle-friendly mobility, at least for short distances. He added that Chandigarh must align its planning legacy with climate-responsive strategies to address future challenges without compromising its design ethos.
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