Municipal Action on Heat: Cool Roofs Making Cities Liveable

As part of its Heat Action Plan, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation is whitewashing rooftops in slum areas using a lime and adhesive mixture, aiming to lower indoor temperatures by 3-4°C.

Several municipal corporations across India have implemented cool roof initiatives to combat urban heat and enhance thermal comfort, particularly for vulnerable populations. Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs. This can be achieved through:

• Reflective Paints: Applying solar-reflective coatings.
• Cool Tiles: Using tiles that reflect sunlight.
• Membranes and Sheets: Installing materials that enhance reflectivity.

Here are some notable examples of Municipal intervention in cool roof:

1. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
   • Launched India's first Heat Action Plan in 2013, incorporating cool roofs as a key component.
   • By 2020, over 3,000 low-income homes had their roofs painted with solar-reflective paint, reducing indoor temperatures by 2-5°C.
2. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)
   • In 2023, Telangana introduced a state-wide Cool Roof Policy, aiming to cover 300 sq km with cool roofs by 2028.
   • The policy mandates cool roofs for all government and commercial buildings and encourages adoption in residential sectors.
3. Surat Municipal Corporation
   • Implemented cool roof projects in collaboration with NGOs, focusing on low-income neighbourhoods.
   • The initiative involved painting roofs with reflective coatings to mitigate heat stress.
4. Bhopal Municipal Corporation
   • Participated in pilot projects applying solar-reflective paint on rooftops in vulnerable communities.
   • The program aimed to reduce indoor temperatures and improve living conditions during heatwaves.
5. Jodhpur Municipal Corporation
   • Engaged in community-led initiatives to apply cool roof techniques in heat-prone areas.
   • Efforts included training residents to apply reflective coatings, enhancing both awareness and adoption.

Cool roof initiatives in India are gaining momentum as effective, low-cost strategies to combat urban heat, improve public health, and enhance energy efficiency. Municipal corporations are at the forefront of these efforts, tailoring solutions to local needs and collaborating with various stakeholders to expand their impact.