Bengaluru: Rs 5.5 crore to transform quarry from heat island to climate-resilient park

BENGALURU: The abandoned stone quarry at Hennur Bande in HBR Layout is set to be developed into a ‘heat-resilient park’ as Bengaluru looks for ways to counter rising temperatures and tackle the urban heat island effect.

The Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) plans to transform a 10-acre flat, under-utilised land parcel, surrounded by a 20-acre buffer zone into a climate-responsive public space, at an estimated cost of Rs 5.5 crore, a BNCC official said. The corporation has invited tenders for the redevelopment of the site.

“Hennur Bande has been identified as one of Bengaluru’s urban heat hotspots. The stone quarry traps the heat during the day and releases it at night. Temperatures here are higher than in other areas,” the official said.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), during the launch of the heat-health protocol for the city in September, said, “Bengaluru’s heat risk is rising rapidly. The city’s mean air temperature has increased by nearly 0.5°C over the past ten years, with parts of the city recording temperatures near 40°C in April 2024.”

The project aims to balance environmental restoration with the recreational needs of residents, the BNCC official said.

“The existing playground will be retained and developed, with the proposed park expected to include multiple sports facilities such as skating, volleyball courts, an outdoor yoga area and a dedicated walking track,” he added.

He said the heat-resilient park would have multiple percolation pits and aid groundwater recharge. The combination of the green cover, shade and water-sensitive design is intended to help moderate local temperatures, while also providing space for walking, exercise and recreation.

The work is expected to begin by the end of this year, after the tender process is completed, with the park targeted for completion by mid-2027, the official said. However, the tender document does not spell out measurable targets for reducing temperature, specify the number of trees to be planted or indicate the proportion of the site to be covered by vegetation.

Apart from the quarry redevelopment, BNCC’s other planned interventions to strengthen heat resilience include cool roofing, net-zero multi-hazard centres and cool bus shelters.

THE PROJECT

To come up on 10-acre under-utilised land parcel surrounded by a 20-acre buffer zone

Estimated cost: Rs 5.5cr

Work to begin by year-end and will be completed by mid-2027

Hennur Bande identified as an urban heat hotspot. It traps heat during the day and releases it at night

City’s mean air temperature has increased by nearly 0.5°C over the past ten years