Bhubaneswar: Residents of Bhubaneswar can now assess climate-related risks in their neighbourhoods like streets and buildings through a single digital platform that maps heat stress, waterlogging and air pollution across the city.
The Bhubaneswar Climate Digital Twin, described as India’s first platform of its kind, was launched by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu on Friday during the inauguration of the 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition. Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra was also present.
Developed as an initiative of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), the platform has received technical support from GIZ India under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Sustainable Urban Mobility–Air Quality, Climate Action and Accessibility (SUM-ACA) project. Its design and technological development were undertaken by Inpact Solutions, a startup recognised by the Union Government. The platform is integrated with the city’s Integrated Command and Control Centre.
The platform brings together data on approximately 2.77 lakh buildings, more than 2,000 kilometres of roads, 67 municipal wards spread across nearly 167 square kilometres, and over 2,100 public amenities.
Using satellite imagery, weather information, air-quality data and computer modelling, it enables citizens to identify climate risks associated with specific buildings and localities. The platform is available free of charge at www.climate.bmc.gov.in, without requiring users to log in, and can be accessed through mobile phones and computers.
According to the platform’s assessment, around 56,500 buildings are located in areas exposed to high or multiple climate hazards. As many as 227 schools are situated in areas facing the combined risks of heat, waterlogging and air pollution.
The data highlights the extent of heat exposure across Bhubaneswar. During the 10 hottest days of the summer of 2026, the city’s average heat index, or perceived temperature, stood at 44 degree Celsius. More than 99 per cent of buildings were located in areas where the perceived temperature reached 42 degrees Celsius or higher. Local heat exposure ranged from 38.6 to 48.5 degree Celsius.
The airport area recorded the highest perceived temperature at 46 degree Celsius followed by Dhirikutisahi and the IDCO Colony at 45.8 degree, Paikarapur at 45.6 degree and Salia Sahi at 45.4 degree Celsius. Areas experiencing elevated nighttime heat included Shikhar Chandi Vihar, Rail Kunj Complex, Jagannath Nagar, Saheed Nagar and Adimata Colony.
The platform has also identified localities repeatedly affected by waterlogging between 2016 and 2025. These include Lingaraj Vihar, Ananta Vihar, Badagada Brit Colony, Paika Nagar and Kolathia. Satellite analysis identified 1,587 buildings in areas where indications of waterlogging were recorded more than 10 times over the decade.
Air pollution is another major concern. During the winter of 2025–26, localities such as Sriram Nagar, Samantarapur, Kapileswar, Basistha Nagar and Brahmeswar Patana recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels of around 230. The city’s average winter AQI rose by 56 points compared with the previous year, reaching 195. Around 345 schools and colleges were located in areas with poor air quality.
The data underscores significant differences in environmental conditions across the city and highlights the need for neighbourhood-level monitoring and targeted interventions.
Apart from viewing climate-risk information, residents can search for their homes, schools, markets and other locations to examine hazard levels and historical seasonal data. The platform also allows citizens to submit complaints about waterlogging, open waste burning and construction dust, along with location details and photographs. These reports are expected to help BMC identify problems and monitor the progress of corrective measures.
The system draws on data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), satellite imagery and 10 local sensors installed by BMC at locations including Lingaraj Temple, KIIT Square, Master Canteen and Infocity.
An open-source technology framework and artificial intelligence-enabled facility allow users to ask questions in local language. A mobile-friendly interface is already available, while a dedicated mobile application is planned for the future.
The digital tool is expected to help civic authorities prioritise drain cleaning in waterlogging-prone areas, introduce cool-roof measures in heat-stressed markets and provide shade and drinking water for outdoor workers, street vendors and traffic police personnel.
Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das said the platform would help citizens and corporators better understand climate-related risks in their respective areas. She urged residents to report problems such as waterlogging, waste burning and dust through the portal, emphasising that public participation was essential to protecting the city from climate hazards.