URBAN ISLAND EFFECT & MITIGATION MEASURES

As the global rate of urbanization is increasing, the cumulative effect of all the negative impacts of urbanization leads to the modification of the physical and chemical properties of the atmosphere, the soil surface, and the air quality,etc. The experience of higher temperature in the Urban areas compared to the rural areas as a result of the heat stored in the built structures from incident solar radiation and also due to the heat released from human activities (alterations of surface area, improper urban planning, infrastructure by replacing open land and vegetation), emissions from vehicles, machinery and equipment ,this phenomena leads to the formation of heat pockets that are called as the “Urban Heat Island” (UHI), which are mostly the city centers. High temperature in the city centers (urban areas) than its surroundings (suburban areas) cause discomfort to the dwellers in the summer time is alarming and requires much attention around the globe to overcome the advances in technology and its effects. An attempt has been made to list the various measures to mitigate UHI effect and the processes by which the mentioned strategies work.