Shimla, one of India’s most sought-after hill destinations, is increasingly grappling with a rise in land surface temperatures (LST) driven by the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. A recent study conducted by the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, a Germany-based development agency, has revealed that surface temperatures in several localities of the town have increased by 1.7°C to 2.5°C over the past decade.The study examined changes in land surface temperatures between 2013 and 2023 in Shimla and Panaji and has now been submitted to the Municipal Corporation. The findings indicate that rapid urbanisation and unplanned construction patterns have significantly contributed to heat accumulation in several parts of Shimla.According to the report, compact building layouts, inadequate ventilation corridors and increasing coverage of heat-absorbing surfaces have emerged as major factors behind the temperature rise. Materials such as metal roofing sheets, asphalt roads and concrete structures absorb and re-radiate large amounts of heat, causing urban areas to remain warmer than their surrounding natural landscapes.The study warns that if corrective measures are not implemented, the growing UHI effect could adversely impact the town’s environmental health, energy consumption and overall quality of life. To address the issue, the report recommends a series of mitigation strategies aimed at reducing heat retention and improving urban resilience.Among the key recommendations is the creation of water bodies such as ponds, lakes and fountains, which can help cool urban spaces through evaporation. The study also advocates the expansion of green infrastructure, including public parks, urban forests and rooftop gardens, to provide shade and lower ambient temperatures.Another major recommendation is the adoption of cool roofs by replacing dark, heat-absorbing materials with reflective roofing surfaces that reduce heat gain. The report further stresses the importance of sustainable urban planning through the integration of green spaces, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and permeable pavements that allow better groundwater recharge while reducing surface heat.The agency has also highlighted the need for greater public participation in environmental initiatives and increased use of public transport to reduce heat-generating emissions. For long-term climate resilience, it recommends climate-responsive land-use planning, deployment of smart-city technologies and continuous monitoring of Urban Heat Island trends.Speaking on the issue, Dr Bhuwan Sharma, Joint Commissioner, Shimla Municipal Corporation, said the civic body is committed to safeguarding the town’s ecological wealth. He noted that the Corporation has earmarked Rs 74.49 crore under its Climate Tool Budget for the financial year 2026-27 to promote sustainable development, ecological conservation, water resource management and waste management.Dr Sharma said the corporation would formulate policies based on the recommendations emerging from the study. He added that several other environmental studies are underway and further measures would be taken after evaluating their findings to strengthen environmental protection and climate resilience in Shimla.