CHENNAI: The land surface temperature (LST) in major cities such as Chennai and Madurai experienced sharp increases of 6.53°C and 4.5°C, respectively, as per a report launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) South India Annual Convention 2025 on Friday.
The report titled “A Study on Green and Livable Cities in Tamil Nadu” highlights the increasing strain on urban infrastructure. Industries Minister TRB Rajaa was also present at the convention, themed Infra South: Crafting Livable Environments in Indian Cities.
The report assessed six key cities— Chennai, Salem, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Madurai— across 75 parameters. Tamil Nadu’s cities have made notable progress in expanding public transport networks, with several cities exceeding national benchmarks in public transport share. However, the report identified gaps in pedestrian infrastructure. In Chennai, for example, only 18% of roads have proper footpaths.
It further urged cities like Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchy, and Salem to integrate pedestrian-friendly spaces into their urban planning frameworks, such as comprehensive mobility plans and city development plans. Additionally, Tamil Nadu ranks fifth in India for green buildings, with 1,087 certified projects covering 597 million square feet.
A key concern was the significant rise in land surface temperature (LST) in major cities. While Coimbatore, Tiruchy, Tiruppur, and Salem showed better adaptability, Chennai and Madurai experienced sharp increases of 6.53°C and 4.5°C, respectively.
Stalin also launched Phase 2 of Project Puthiya Payanam, Valarchiyai Noki, an initiative by the CII Centre of Excellence for Employability and Livelihoods, which aims to empower 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu a year.
Speaking at the convention, Stalin reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure that fuels economic growth while ensuring long-term sustainability.
He called upon industries to collaborate on smart city solutions, energy efficiency, and infrastructure development, emphasising that urban sustainability is both a social responsibility and an economic opportunity.