Citys heat to soar with massive deforestation

TRIPUNITHURA: The ever-increasing industrial pollutants and high-rises contribute profusely to the formation of Urban Heat Islands (UHI) in Kochi.Valanthakadu and the banks of Vembanad Lake housing luxuriant mangroves play a pivotal role in neutralising the harmful effects of the newly-formed Urban Heat Islands.Despite warnings, destruction of mangroves is progressing along the shores of Vembanad Lake. The Valanthakadu project has been put in the back burner fearing protest from environmentalists.  However, in the Udayamperoor area of the Vembanad Lake massive destruction of mangroves continues without any interference from the environmentalists or from the local people. Recent studies conducted in the city suburbs underscored the role played by the wetlands in reducing the heat content of these UHIs.Wetlands and mangroves serve as the main cooling agents of the surroundings and maintain a balance between the heat and cold conditions of the environment.However, along with the ongoing ‘development activities’ in and around the city, the real estate mafia has started to eye these wetlands and mangroves to replace them with skyscrapers.According to the CESS (Centre for Earth Science Studies) which conducted studies in the city suburbs, wetlands and mangroves help bring down the soaring temperature of the city.The roots of mangroves will help the soil in the lake shore not to drain along with the tidal waves. Besides, the branched roots of mangroves are perfect places for the migratory birds to roost their eggs. The massive destruction of the nature-friendly vegetation will shoo them away. Moreover, the massive destruction of mangroves will increase the breeding rate of mosquitoes. Two weeks ago soon after the destruction of mangroves, the inmates of the house situated next to the lake shore were attacked by mosquitoes and some unidentified creatures.