Urban Heat Island Effect in Small Towns A Case Study of Jhargram in Jungle Mahal, West Bengal, India, with Reference to Sustainable Development Goals

Urban Heat Island (UHI) is typically associated with large metropolitan areas, but emerging evidence suggests that small towns are increasingly experiencing similar thermal anomalies due to rapid land-use transformation. This study examines the UHI effect in Jhargram, a small but growing town in the Jungle Mahal region of West Bengal, India. Using secondary data, comparative regional studies, and conceptual analysis, the research identifies the relationship between land use/land cover (LULC) changes, declining vegetation, and rising land surface temperature (LST). The findings indicate that even low-density urbanization in small towns contributes to localized heat islands, affecting human health, ecological balance, and sustainability. The study further evaluates the implications of UHI on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and suggests adaptive strategies suitable for small-town planning.