In the heart of Tamil Nadu, the city of Vellore is grappling with a silent crisis that threatens its urban lakes, vital ecosystems that provide ecological, social, and economic benefits. A recent study published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Water’ (translated from the original ‘Frontiers in Water’) sheds light on the intricate dance between land use, temperature, and water quality, offering a roadmap for sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
Led by D. R. Manjunath, the research delves into the complex interrelations among land use, temperature, and water quality in Vellore’s lakes over a 27-year period (1997–2024). The findings are stark: rapid urbanization has led to a reduction in water spread area by 1.82%, with increasing land surface temperatures (LSTs) exacerbating the issue. “The direct correlation between reduced water spread area and increasing LSTs underscores the adverse effects of urbanization,” Manjunath explains.
The study reveals that 64% of dissolved oxygen (DO) samples surpassed permissible limits, indicating significant water quality degradation. Key influencers of the Water Quality Index (WQI) include hardness, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and DO. The research validates these findings using the XGBoost model, a powerful machine learning algorithm. The results are clear: most of the lake water is classified as “Poor” for drinking.
Principal component analysis further illuminates the situation, revealing that 68% of the variance in water quality is attributed to LST, built-up areas, and vegetative cover. The study suggests that implementing 30% green buffers, restoring 2–5% of the water spread area, and adopting climate-smart urban planning could lower LSTs by 1.8°C. These strategies align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.4 (clean water and sanitation) and 13.3 (climate resilience), as well as India’s Smart Cities Mission.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. Urban lakes play a crucial role in mitigating the urban heat island effect, reducing the demand for air conditioning, and lowering energy consumption. By integrating green buffers and restoring water spread areas, cities can enhance their resilience to climate change, reduce energy demands, and foster sustainable urban development.
The study’s findings offer a compelling case for policymakers, urban planners, and energy sector stakeholders to prioritize the preservation and restoration of urban lakes. As Manjunath notes, “These science-driven strategies offer a pathway to harmonize urbanization with ecological resilience and safeguard lake biodiversity under a changing climate.”
The research, published in ‘Frontiers in Water’, provides a robust framework for future developments in sustainable urban planning and climate resilience. By embracing these strategies, cities can strive towards a future where urbanization and ecological sustainability go hand in hand, benefiting both the environment and the energy sector.
