Mumbai Heat Rising Fast: 81% Open Land Lost in 27 Years

Mumbai is getting hotter, and experts say the reason is clear. Rapid urbanisation and loss of natural spaces over the years have reduced the city’s ability to stay cool. Between 1991 and 2018, Mumbai lost nearly 81% of its open land. Around 40% of its green cover also disappeared, along with close to 30% of its water bodies. These natural elements once helped control temperature by absorbing heat and keeping the environment balanced. With their decline, the city’s natural cooling system has weakened. At the same time, construction in the city has grown sharply. Mumbai’s built-up area increased by about 66% during this period. Open spaces were replaced with concrete structures and roads. This has led to the urban heat island effect, where densely built areas trap heat and remain warmer than surrounding regions. Because of this, Mumbai has seen an average temperature rise of around 2°C. Hot and humid days have also become more common, making daily life uncomfortable for many people. The rising heat is not just about discomfort. It is also affecting public health. Heatwaves are now starting earlier, lasting longer and becoming more intense. This increases the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke and other illnesses. Some groups are more affected than others. Outdoor workers, children, elderly people and low-income communities face higher risk. Many of them have limited access to cooling facilities, making the situation worse. Experts say heatwaves are no longer rare events. They are now part of a bigger climate issue, caused by both global changes and local urban factors. There is a strong need for a proper Heat Action Plan and better public awareness. Simple steps can also help in the short term. These include changing outdoor work timings to cooler hours and improving early warning systems. In the long run, better city planning is necessary. Protecting green spaces, saving water bodies and reducing excessive concrete use can make a difference. Promoting sustainable urban planning is seen as the only way forward. Without timely action, rising heat could continue to affect Mumbai’s livability, health and overall environment.

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