The variance in temperature is broadly because of three factors: the building material (impervious concrete, asphalt and metal are known to have a higher surface temperature), access to open spaces, and green cover.

Civic bodies are on a spree to set up incineration plants to dispose of non-recyclable waste. Chennai's first, operational for eight months, hasn't been a positive experience though.

Construction over lake beds, blocking of stormwater drains have aggravated flooding in the city. Not much has changed over the last 20 years in terms of its preparedness to mitigate extreme climate events.