Ahmedabad prepares for extreme heat: Traffic signals off, green nets up, hydration stations & more

Ahmedabad is already experiencing intense heat, with temperatures soaring to 40°C even before mid-March. As the city gears up for peak summer, authorities, local organisations, and institutions are implementing various measures to combat rising temperatures and provide relief to residents.

To shield people from the harsh sun, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is installing green nets at major traffic junctions. These nets will offer some respite to commuters waiting at signals. Additionally, AMTS and BRTS bus stops will also be equipped with green nets, along with water stations to help people stay hydrated. ORS (oral rehydration solution) packets will be distributed at bus stops and urban health centres to prevent dehydration.

The city’s traffic signals will be turned off between 11 AM and 4 PM to prevent commuters from being stranded at intersections during the hottest part of the day. Low-traffic junctions will also be made non-operational from 11 AM to 5 PM to ease movement.

In schools managed by the AMC School Board, a "water bell" will ring every hour as a reminder for students to drink water and stay hydrated. Meanwhile, all public gardens will extend their operational hours from 6 AM to 11 PM, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor spaces during cooler times of the day. The city’s 95 fountains will also remain functional to provide cooling effects.

In an innovative step to counter rising temperatures, researchers from the University of Heidelberg, led by epidemiologist Aditi Bunker and supported by the UK-based Wellcome Trust, have launched a heat-mitigation project in Ahmedabad. Over the past two months, hundreds of homes in informal settlements have had their roofs painted with reflective white paint.

This “cool roofs” initiative, part of a global scientific trial, aims to study the impact of extreme heat on health and livelihoods in developing countries. The reflective coating helps reduce heat absorption, offering a cost-effective way to keep homes cooler during the summer months.

As Ahmedabad braces for even hotter days ahead, these proactive measures aim to minimise the impact of extreme temperatures and ensure the well-being of its citizens.