An indicator based approach for developing a contextual composite heat vulnerability index framework a case study of Madurai india

Abstract

In developing cities, rapid urbanization and climate change lead to drought and urban heat island effects which affects the energy consumption, economy and the environment. Extreme temperature rise has amplified the stress on vulnerable groups and has reduced the liveability. The sustainability of a city lies in the adaptability of the city to the climatic stresses. The role of adaptability is guided by the contextual vulnerability assessment of the city. Heat vulnerability is a complex issue encompassing factors beyond land use/land cover, including sociodemographic characteristics, access to medical care and air-conditioning, and acclimatization. Designated as a Tier III city by the Government of India, Madurai, an ancient heritage city exhibits a homogeneous cultural demography, welcoming rural migrants, yet encapsulating a diverse socio-economic structure. The city being landlocked and surrounded by hillocks is facing extreme temperature increase which leads to drought intermittently. Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) recommends vulnerability assessments on extreme heat at the micro level for informed project planning, while Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) and Atkins International Ltd (ATKINS) advocate for meso and micro level studies, emphasizing the role of landform and land use patterns in their Future Proofing Indian Cities project. In response, the research focused on a meso-level study of Madurai at the ward level, examining both tangible and intangible indicators to assess vulnerability in this developing city. The study leads to the need for devising an indicator based framework for the Composite Heat Vulnerability Index (CHVI), considering contextual socio-cultural indicators. newline