Shillong, often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” for its cool climate and lush greenery, is facing an environmental crisis that could alter its future forever. The charming city, known for its scenic beauty, is experiencing a growing threat from urbanization—the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. A recent study has raised alarms about the impact of unchecked development on the city’s climate and livability.
From Green to Gray: The Changing Landscape of Shillong
Over the past three decades, Shillong’s landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. In 1993, the city’s settlement areas made up only 6.4% of its total land area, but by 2023, that figure had more than doubled to 17.36%. This expansion of built-up areas has come at the cost of once-thriving green spaces, as well as agricultural and barren land, which have significantly diminished in size.
The study, conducted by researchers from Assam Royal Global University, North-Eastern Hill University, and Hunter College in New York, revealed how rapid urban development is eroding the city’s natural charm. The researchers categorized Shillong’s land into five types: agricultural land, barren land, settlement, vegetation, and water bodies. The findings were stark:
- Settlement areas saw the largest increase, expanding dramatically from 1993 to 2023.
- Barren land shrank drastically, reducing from 40.87% of the city’s area in 1993 to just 6.82% by 2023.
- The city is rapidly trading green spaces for urban sprawl, a shift that is contributing to the rising temperatures across the region.
Rising Temperatures: A Troubling Trend
To analyze the city’s warming, the researchers used satellite imagery and advanced CA-Markov modeling. The results pointed to significant increases in land surface temperatures (LST) across all categories, with the most drastic changes seen in settlement areas.
- Settlement areas experienced a temperature rise of 4.3°C, from 17.45°C in 1993 to 21.75°C in 2023.
- Agricultural and barren lands warmed even faster, with increases of 4.5°C and 4.9°C, respectively.
- Even vegetation and water bodies, typically cooler zones, recorded a 4°C rise.
The once reliably cool climate of Shillong is now under threat, with these temperature increases signaling an impending environmental crisis.
The Future of Shillong: A Hotter, Less Livable City
The trajectory of urbanization shows no signs of slowing down. By 2030, settlement areas are expected to cover 21.39% of Shillong’s land, and by 2050, this figure could rise to 28.56%. This expansion will likely take more farmland, green spaces, and water bodies, further intensifying the UHI effect.
The study projects a concerning shift in temperature zones. In 1993, nearly 28% of Shillong had temperatures below 12°C, offering a cool respite from the heat. However, by 2023, these cooler areas have nearly disappeared, and by 2050, much of the city could experience temperatures exceeding 23°C. This stark warming would significantly reduce the city’s appeal and livability.
Can Shillong Stay Cool?
While the situation is alarming, the study also offers potential solutions to mitigate the effects of urbanization and protect Shillong’s unique climate:
- Green the City: Expanding urban forests, parks, and green spaces to help combat the rising heat.
- Protect Water Bodies: Safeguarding rivers, streams, and wetlands, which naturally cool the environment.
- Plan Sustainably: Encouraging eco-friendly construction and minimizing impervious surfaces, such as concrete, that contribute to heat buildup.
- Involve the Public: Raising awareness about the importance of ecological balance and promoting individual actions to protect the environment.
A Global Lesson
Shillong’s struggle with rapid urbanization is not unique. Across the globe, cities are grappling with similar challenges, where unchecked growth is putting immense pressure on the environment. Shillong’s situation serves as a cautionary tale for other urban centers. The need for sustainable development and urban planning is more urgent than ever.
For Shillong, the battle against rising temperatures is not just about saving a city—it’s about preserving its identity as the “Scotland of the East.” The question remains: Can the city reclaim its natural charm, or will it succumb to the pressures of unplanned urbanization? Only time will tell, but the clock is ticking.
