Outdoor Activities Declining in Ahmedabad This April
Typically, the month of April is a festive time in Ahmedabad when the parks, the roadside and other public places are filled with social distractions. This year, however, in 2023, we will see an observable change in people’s participation in outdoor activities in Ahmedabad. This change is primarily due to two reasons: seasonal heat and a decrease in the amount of time people have to go out to participate in outdoor activities.
Other reasons for this decrease in participation in outdoor activities are: the recent and unexpected change in weather patterns, the lack of adequate urban infrastructure, and an increased focus on work/life balance and healthier lifestyles.
Extreme Weather and Heat Patterns Are Limiting Outdoor Time
One of the major factors in the increased amount of time spent inside is the recent and extreme and unpredictable weather. Specifically, Ahmedabad is experiencing typical daily high temperatures in April between 35-42 degrees Celsius; therefore, this is one of the months of the year when many daylight hours are not conducive to outside activities.
If the high temperatures are not enough to deter most people from going outside, the recent and unexpected rains and thunderstorms have made the problem even worse.
Most importantly, the unpredictability of the weather has caused most residents to: 1) avoid participating in sports/working out outside. 2) walk in the evenings because of “heat fatigue” 3) prefer indoor places (gyms/malls) over outdoor places.
Poor Urban Infrastructure Is Discouraging Movement
In addition to the change in weather, Ahmedabad is facing a much larger and structural problem: an inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. In a recent report approximately 72% (around 13,000 km total) of streets and roads in Ahmedabad are not paved to accommodate pedestrians.
Lifestyle Shifts and Indoor Alternatives Are Taking Over
It was noted that there has been a behaviour change when comparing lifestyles to outdoor recreation, which has led to:
- Increased desire to use Air Conditioning at Gyms, rather than working out outdoors
- Increased preference for cafés and shopping malls over using parks
- Increased preference for entertainment on the internet over outdoor recreation
In April, for example, Ahmedabad has therefore already experienced a decline in outdoor activity levels due largely to the hottest temperatures on record. A similar trend may be expected for other cities.
Final Insight
A city’s decline in outdoor activity has not occurred due to only one cause, but as a result of:
Weather-related; extreme and inconsistent, designed to create a comfortable environment, designed to have limited walkability and to create a preference for an indoor lifestyle.
With little or no investments made by cities to provide appropriate infrastructure or climate-resilient public spaces, the likely outcome is to see this trend continue on for many years.

FAQs
1. Why are fewer people going outdoors in Ahmedabad this April?
Due to high temperatures, unpredictable weather, and lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
2. Is April always a low outdoor activity month in Ahmedabad?
Yes, because of the heat, but the decline is more noticeable in 2026 due to multiple combined factors.
3. How does infrastructure affect outdoor activity?
Poor footpaths and unsafe roads discourage walking, jogging, and cycling.
4. Are weather conditions worse this year?
There have been unusual fluctuations, including heat, humidity, and sudden rain, affecting routines.
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