Visakhapatnam: As the Cyclone Hudhud has damaged almost every single tree in the city, the Vizagites have to prepare themselves for a warmer city this time.
A drive along any of the city roads will make one realise how the city has been robbed of its green cover.
“One tree is equal to four air conditioners. Now, imagine the situation of the city and how badly Vizag will suffer due to such damage of trees in and around the city, While many trees were completely uprooted, some trees have been mutilated to such an extent that it will take at least five-six months for these to be regenerated.
By then, the city will definitely be a hotter place,” said Prof. E.U.B. Reddy, Environment Sciences department of Andhra University.
Prof. Reddy said that even if the mercury levels do not rise, the city folks will definitely feel the heat as ‘urban heat island’ has been created. Such heat islands, according to researches, have secondary effect on local meteorology like resulting in altering of wind patterns and increased humidity.
AP forest department has begun enumeration of tree loss and is also exploring the option of aerial seeding to improve tree cover.
AP forest department principal chief conservator A.V. Joseph said, it will take two to three days to complete the assessment.
