Delhi Parks 20°C Cooler Than Surrounding Concrete Areas, But Lack Drinking Water Facilities, Reveals Study

A new park audit report by Greenpeace India has revealed that Delhi’s parks offered relief to visitors during the ongoing heatwave. Shaded green areas in parks were up to 20°C cooler than nearby concrete zones. However, the report stated that many of these public parks lacked basic amenities and remained shut or inaccessible for most of the time during the day. Read on for more details. 

Recent Study Reveals Shaded Parks Are Significantly Cooler In Delhi 

A recent audit of 50 parks across Delhi by Greenpeace India, in collaboration with Community of Hope and Support (COHAS) and Youth for Climate Justice South Asia, revealed that shaded green zones were up to 20°C cooler than unshaded concrete spaces outside. This was a clear positive indication. But the same report pointed out that most of these parks lacked basic amenities. 

As per a report by The Times of India, the average temperature difference between shaded park areas and concrete zones just across the boundary was 10°C. In one park, the audit found a concrete area had peaked at 53.3°C, while a tree-covered part inside remained at 35°C.

Also Read: South Delhi Parks To Serve Fruits, Milk & Bread At Eco-Friendly Kiosks

Many Public Parks Lack Basic Facilities

Despite being cooler, many parks lacked drinking water facilities. There were also no proper provisions for birdhouses or nests. The report added that access to most parks was limited. It stated that parks, especially those in densely populated areas, should remain open around the clock. Greenpeace also found that the average surface temperature was 39.2°C in unshaded areas and 28.9°C in shaded zones.

The audit aimed to show how green spaces in the city can act as buffers against extreme heat. It also found that 25% of Delhi is covered in green, but most parks are packed into just 5 districts. Furthermore, the report also revealed that 78% of parks had no public drinking water. Around 73% did not have water bowls for animals. Plus, only 28% of parks had water bodies, and even those were either dry or dirty. Nearly 74% of parks were closed at some point during the day, and 64% shut down during night hours, cutting off access for many residents.

Also Read: South Delhi Parks To Start Yoga Classes Soon With Professional Teachers

The report suggests that Delhi’s parks must stay open longer and should be properly maintained. With rising temperatures, people need these spaces for relief from the scorching heat. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Ryhor Bruyeu and Saurabh Kumar (Representative Image)