Impact of planned urban development on urban heat island effect: resilient cities for a sustainable future.

This comprehensive study delved into the urban dynamics of Bangalore and Hyderabad, focusing on land cover changes, temperature variations, and their implications for sustainable urban development. Analyzing land cover trends from 2001 to 2021, the study revealed substantial urban expansion in both cities, with notable shifts in built-up, vegetation, bare soil, and water bodies. The analysis indicated intensified urbanization, particularly in Hyderabad, raising environmental concerns. The study employed a random forest model to predict contrasting urbanization patterns for 2031, emphasizing the need for resilient and sustainable strategies. The model successfully predicted land surface temperature (LST) and land cover changes, offering insights for informed urban planning. Correlation analyses unveil the influence of factors like proximity to bare soil and built-up areas on LST. The model's performance is robust, outperforming other models, and is employed for 2021 land cover (LC) and LST predictions. Validation demonstrates the model's accuracy in predicting LC distribution and LST across diverse land cover types, urban and rural areas. Furthermore, the model is applied to forecast 2031 LC and LST, revealing contrasting urbanization trends. The study incorporates a hot spot analysis, categorizing thermal zones and highlighting the urban heat island (UHI) effect. The model showcases a capacity to project long-term temperature dynamics, making it a valuable tool for urban planning and climate resilience. The findings underscore the need for sustainable land use planning, emphasizing environmental preservation amid rapid urban growth.