Human Comfort and Environmental Sustainability Through Wetland Management: A Case Study of the Nawabganj Wetland, India

Wetlands play a vital role in ecosystem sustainability by regulating atmospheric
temperature and enhancing human comfort levels. This study aims to evaluate the temperature
regulation function of the Nawabganj Wetland, Uttar Pradesh (India), a Ramsar
site designated in January 2020, located in a semi-arid region vulnerable to increasing heat
waves. The primary objective is to assess the wetland’s influence on microclimatic conditions
and human thermal comfort across different seasons. Field surveys were conducted
to collect temperature, humidity, wind speed, and vegetation data over three consecutive
days in each season: 15–17 May 2019 (pre-monsoon), 12–14 August 2019 (monsoon), and
5–7 October 2019 (post-monsoon). The human comfort index was calculated using field
data, while vegetation density and frequency were analyzed based on seasonal variations
using the quadrant method. The results indicate that the wetland significantly contributes
to local temperature reduction and improved comfort levels. Vegetation plays a crucial
role in amplifying this cooling effect, particularly during summer when temperatures
range from an average low of 23 °C to a high of 40 °C. In winter, temperatures vary between
an average low of 6 °C and a high of 22 °C, with a consistently high humidity level
of approximately 94%, further influencing microclimatic conditions. The extent of weed
cover varied between 10% and 60% from December to May, reflecting seasonal fluctuations
in water levels and wetland health. The study highlights the necessity of effective
water and vegetation management, especially during summer, to sustain the wetland’s
cooling capacity. Integrating wetland-based strategies into urban planning can enhance
environmental sustainability, mitigate climate extremes, and improve human well-being
in rapidly urbanizing regions.