Telangana Fights Climate Change

Introduction to Telangana's Climate Change Initiatives

Telangana is drawing up a broad plan to make its cities more resilient to climate change, with measures such as bamboo bus shelters and cool roofs. The state's long-term vision, Telangana Rising 2047, aims to integrate climate concerns into urban planning, infrastructure development, and municipal services.

The policy framework is being strengthened through a mandatory Urban Road Code, a Cool Roof Policy, a Heatwave Action Plan, and a Treated Water Reuse Policy. Of the 43 projects proposed under the Urban Challenge Fund, three have secured approval.

Climate Change Impacts in Telangana

Heatwaves and erratic rainfall are becoming increasingly evident across Telangana, with varying impacts by region. The government says this calls for location-specific interventions based on climate data. The state's cities account for net emissions of about 66.56 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The major contributors to these emissions are buildings, transport, wastewater, waste management, and urban expansion. Some interventions are already underway, such as bamboo misting bus shelters in Khammam, which use a low-carbon building material while providing relief to commuters.

Key Initiatives

• Bio-mining of legacy waste dumps to reduce methane emissions and reclaim land
• Leak detection, pipeline renewal, and digital monitoring to reduce non-revenue water
• Expansion of underground sewerage networks and reuse of treated wastewater
• Establishment of a State Climate Centre for Cities to coordinate city-level climate action plans

Cool Roof Policy

The Cool Roof Policy, effective from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028, targets 300 sq km of cool roofs, including 200 sq km in the Hyderabad metropolitan region and 100 sq km in other urban local bodies. Cool roofs reflect about 80% of incoming sunlight, against 20% for conventional roofs.

They can lower indoor temperatures by 2.1°C to 4.3°C and reduce air-conditioning costs by up to 20%. Full implementation is expected to save nearly 600 million units of electricity annually and generate a one-time carbon offset of about 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment remains a major challenge, with Telangana's urban areas generating nearly 2,750 million litres of sewage a day. The state aims to treat 80% of sewage and reuse 20% of treated water by 2030, rising to 90% treatment and 50% reuse by 2035, and 100% for both by 2047.

Future Plans

Long-term plans include avenue plantations, cool pavements, shaded seating, and integrated stormwater systems in road projects. Municipalities have been asked to promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge through pits, trenches, permeable pavements, and connected drains.

Future road designs will prioritize unobstructed footpaths, cycle tracks on wider roads, barrier-free access, better bus stops, street lighting, and underground utility corridors to avoid repeated road cutting.

Telangana's climate change initiatives have the potential to make a significant impact on the state's environment and the lives of its citizens. With the implementation of the Cool Roof Policy and other measures, the state is taking a step in the right direction towards reducing its carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable future.

Expert Perspective

According to T.K. Sreedevi, Municipal Administration and Urban Development secretary, the bio-mining programme has helped avoid an estimated 5.6 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and reclaimed about 418 acres for productive urban use. This highlights the effectiveness of the state's initiatives in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development.

Implications for Readers in India

The climate change initiatives in Telangana have implications for readers in India, as they demonstrate the importance of taking proactive measures to address the challenges of climate change. The state's focus on sustainable urban planning, renewable energy, and reducing emissions can serve as a model for other states in India to follow.

What to Watch Next

As Telangana continues to implement its climate change initiatives, readers can expect to see significant progress in the state's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future. The state's plans to expand its renewable energy capacity, improve its public transportation system, and promote sustainable urban planning will be worth watching in the coming years.

Background and Timeline

Telangana's climate change initiatives are part of the state's long-term vision, Telangana Rising 2047. The state has already made significant progress in implementing its climate change plans, with the establishment of a State Climate Centre for Cities and the implementation of the Cool Roof Policy.

The state's climate change initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on the environment and the lives of its citizens. With the implementation of these initiatives, Telangana is taking a step in the right direction towards reducing its carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable future.