Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) revived its Heat Action Plan ahead of the peak summer months, bringing back measures such as installing green shade nets and water fountains at major traffic intersections to provide relief from soaring temperatures.The heat mitigation measures, which came amid the civic body simultaneously allowing the cutting of a large number of trees for infrastructure and development projects across the city, drew criticism from environmental groups and residents who repeatedly pointed out that large-scale tree loss could further worsen urban heat conditions.The need to revive the plan was discussed at a review meeting by additional municipal commissioner Prashant Rode, who directed departments to ensure effective implementation of preventive measures, including installing shade nets at busy junctions, setting up public drinking water points, ensuring the availability of medicines for heat-related illnesses, and intensifying awareness campaigns across the city.“The civic body formed a task force committee to coordinate efforts to mitigate the impact of heatwaves. As per the suggestions, green nets will be installed at key junctions across Thane to offer shade to motorists and pedestrians waiting at signals and intersections. Drinking water facilities at public spots are also being installed, with special focus on heat-prone areas such as Mumbra and the Wagle Estate ward. Auto and taxi unions, labour and industrial associations, and NGOs are also being roped in for heatwave preparedness,” informed an official.Meanwhile, the contrast between allowing trees to be displaced and introducing such methods drew sharp criticism from activists. “Stripping stretches like Ghodbunder of their green cover and expecting residents to benefit from measures like green nets and water fountains is laughable,” said activist Rohit Joshi.It may be recalled that the Thane tree authority allowed the displacement of thousands of trees within the city for constructing various infra projects like Metro 4, internal metro, new civic HQ, freeway extension, and the Borivli tunnel project, among others.
