Nagpur: With temperatures already breaching the 42°C mark in city, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has revived its summer heat mitigation plan, proposing installation of green shade nets at major traffic intersections across the city. The 65.07 lakh proposal, submitted by the traffic dept, will be placed before the standing committee on April 17.The move aims to provide temporary relief to thousands of commuters who endure prolonged exposure to direct sunlight at busy junctions. Similar installations were undertaken in summer 2025 at key junctions such as Tukdoji Putla Square, Shankar Nagar Square, GPO Square, Akashwani Square, Indora Square, Cotton Market Square, Gandhi Putla Square and Reshimbagh Square. NMC had then engaged private decorators, spending nearly 3 lakh per junction for 45 days. These green nets acted as makeshift canopies, significantly reducing heat stress for motorists and pedestrians waiting at signals.However, the initiative was not without challenges. Several instances of nets collapsing at high-traffic intersections raised safety concerns, especially during sudden gusts of wind or pre-monsoon weather changes. Officials say the new proposal may incorporate improved design and sturdier installation mechanisms to prevent such incidents.Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare has also suggested exploring more sustainable alternatives, including solar rooftop structures at select traffic squares. These could not only provide shade but also generate renewable energy, offering a long-term solution to heat mitigation.With climate conditions worsening each year, officials acknowledge that temporary measures like green nets are only stopgap arrangements. The decision by the standing committee is expected to weigh immediate relief against long-term infrastructure planning as the city braces for an intense summer ahead.
