Hyderabad has emerged as one of the world's 30 most heat-vulnerable urban centres, according to a recent study by the University of Oxford. As the city's concrete footprint expands and green cover shrinks, residents face a significantly higher risk from extreme temperatures—even more than those in most other Indian metros.
Key Factors Driving Heat Vulnerability
The major reasons behind Hyderabad's heightened heat risk include rapid urbanisation, loss of tree cover, and disappearance of water bodies. Experts point out that the growing count of high-rises has altered the city's microclimate. Additionally, increasing dependence on air-conditioners provides only temporary indoor relief, often worsening outdoor temperatures through heat discharge.
Comparative Analysis with Other Cities
As per the study, while cities such as Ahmedabad, Nagpur, and Madurai have a higher risk factor, the situation is relatively better in larger metropolises like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and even Delhi. The study, titled 'Moving Beyond Exposure: A Globally Comparable Framework for Heat Risk Assessment in Cities', analysed 205 cities worldwide.
Hyderabad's core urban area, home to nearly 77 lakh people, recorded an overall heat-risk score of 0.68. This is only 0.5 to 0.10 less than top at-risk global cities such as Cairo, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City, and significantly higher than the score of cities like Bangkok and Hanoi.
Understanding the Heat Risk Score
A heat risk score, often called a heat vulnerability index, is an aggregate measure that combines multiple distinct factors to evaluate the overall danger an extreme heat event poses to a specific population or region. The study underlines that Hyderabadis are more susceptible to heat-driven illnesses, and their access to cooling infrastructure—such as air conditioners and green cover—is also limited.
Current Summer Conditions in Hyderabad
These findings gain significance amid repeated warnings from researchers about extreme heat becoming one of the deadliest consequences of climate change. They also come at a time when Hyderabad is already experiencing unprecedented summer conditions. Between April 1 and June 5 this year, the city recorded at least 47 days with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, the highest such count in a decade. The impact of rising temperatures is already being felt across the city, with households struggling with soaring electricity bills and water shortages.
"With over half of the world's population already living in cities and that figure expected to rise to nearly two-thirds by 2050, urban centres are becoming major hotspots of climate risk," the study noted.
Health Experts Sound Alarm
Doctors in the city have also raised concerns. B Ravinder Nayak, director of public health and family welfare, stated: "Residents have to be cautious while venturing out during periods of extreme heat, as prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, fever, and skin-related problems. While Hyderabad's rapid growth and urban development are inevitable, individuals must take proactive steps to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses." He added that staying adequately hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or cool environments can reduce health risks during hot weather.
Environmentalist Calls for Policy Intervention
Donthi Narasimha Reddy, a Hyderabad-based environmentalist, emphasised the need for immediate government intervention through policies that prioritise open spaces, expand urban green cover, and promote climate-sensitive land-use planning. He expressed concern over the liberal implementation of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) policies, which encourage high-rise construction and increased built-up areas. "Without adequate environmental safeguards, such development could intensify Hyderabad's heat stress and undermine the city's long-term climate resilience," he warned.
