The Public Welfare Department (PWD) in Pondicherry, India, has come up with a creative solution to combat scorching summer temperatures – green roofs at traffic signals.
Problem: Lack of Shade for Commuters
- Open roads with minimal to no trees offer little relief from the harsh sun, especially during peak summer months.
- Temperatures in some parts of India can reach up to 45°C (113°F).
Solution: Green Roof Traffic Signals
- The PWD has installed netted green roofs above traffic signals, extending a few meters from the crosswalk.
- This provides much-needed shade for commuters waiting at red lights, protecting them from direct sunlight.
Benefits and Potential
- The initiative offers immediate relief from the heat, unlike planting trees that take years to mature.
- If implemented on a larger scale across India, this innovation could significantly improve comfort levels during summers.
Video Surfaces Online: Green Roof Traffic Signals
A video showcasing the green roof traffic signals in Pondicherry has emerged online, sparking interest in this practical solution. The footage depicts bikers utilizing the shade while waiting for the light to change.
This initiative by the Pondicherry PWD demonstrates a simple yet effective way to address heat-related issues in urban areas. With wider adoption, green roof signals could become a game-changer for Indian commuters during the scorching summer months.
Great work done by Pondicherry Public Works Department. Courtesy WhatsApp Forward pic.twitter.com/jqyNGGhEWq
— B Padmanaban (padmanaban@fortuneinvestment.in) (@padhucfp) May 1, 2024
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