Coimbatore is always well-known for the salubrious climate throughout the year. Having accustomed to this climate, People from this city always find it hard to adjust elsewhere. But this could all change if we continue to hurt the environment at this pace, warns Dr. Panneerselvam, Head of the Agro Climatic Research Department, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
This expert scientist from TNAU shared with us some intriguing climate statistics recorded in the city in the past and also the peril that awaits this city in the near future.
'The maximum temperature recorded in the city was 42.6-degree celsius (108 degree F) in 1976, April 22nd. Whereas, the usual temperature of this city varies between 101 to 102 degree F.
This is how the usual temperature recordings of the city were a decade back.
- January - 29 to 30 degree celsius.
- February - 30 to 31 degree celsius.
- March & April - 33 degree celsius.
- May - 37.5 degree celsius
But today, unfortunately, due to the lethargic attitude of humans towards nature, there is a major shift in climate throughout the globe. Particularly, in Coimbatore, large-scale felling of trees, urbanisation, improper maintenance and large scale encroachments in the waterbodies, increased pollution rates have attributed to this climate change. At this pace, Coimbatore soon be added to the list of heat wave prone zones announced by the Tamil Nadu Disaster Management department in the near future.
Water bodies balance the temperatures
In the recent years, the water bodies in our city have transformed as dump yards. Water bodies play a major role in balancing the temperatures during extreme conditions. The moist content in the water bodies absorb the heat and balance the temperature. But today, the water bodies are nothing but barren lands. Hence, the city is facing unusual climate changes.
Urbanisation
Every day there is a new multi-storey building that pops up in the city. New buildings would need new borewells. Digging of borewells at this pace would deplete the natural resources. Growing vehicle population is also yet another challenge faced by us. The increase in nitrous gas, Carbon dioxide and methane gas in the atmosphere attribute directly to the rise in mercury levels.
Large-scale tree cutting
The city has lost several thousands of trees in the recent times. While cutting of trees is happening at a rapid pace, planting of trees is happening at a snail pace. Trees play a pivotal role in reducing the heat and bringing rains to the region.
If all the above-stated issues continue to be unaddressed, going forward Coimbatore will face adverse climatic changes. The change in climate that we are currently experiencing is just a warning to conserve the nature in the best possible way. It is the responsibility of every citizen to conserve nature with utmost care', said Dr. Paneerselvam, Head of the Department, Agro Climatic Research Centre, TNAU.