To combat the rising heat, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is implementing a ‘Cool Roof’ scheme in mumbai. Under this project, solar reflective paint will be applied on the roofs of select buildings to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. This can reduce indoor temperatures by about 5 percent.
The decision has been taken in the backdrop of increasing heat stress in the city during summer. Initially, this pilot project will be implemented in G/South Ward, Lower Parel and Prabhadevi areas.
What is Cool Roof Paint?
Cool roof paint, also known as solar reflective paint, is usually white in color and contains ingredients like titanium dioxide, which reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. This reduces heat penetration into buildings, keeps indoor temperatures low and also reduces dependence on AC.
The project will focus on municipal buildings, especially schools and staff quarters, as well as areas that are highly affected by heat. “Our aim is to identify the buildings that are most affected by heat and implement the pilot,” BMC officials said.
The initiative is part of a broader plan to reduce the urban ‘heat island effect’, which causes densely built-up areas of the city to be warmer than the surrounding areas. In a city like Mumbai, where humidity and crowding exacerbate heat stress, such measures can be crucial to improving the quality of life.
The BMC has clarified that this is the first phase of the project and further expansion will depend on its success and response. If the project is successful, it can be implemented in other wards as well.
The ‘cool roof’ concept has been successfully implemented in cities like Ahmedabad. It has been effective in reducing indoor heat and creating a comfortable environment. Similar positive results are expected in Mumbai too.
The project is in line with the recommendations related to climate change. Along with cool roofs, measures like better ventilation, green roofing and reflective building materials can also be important in combating heat.
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