Heatwave crisis needs a vision, not just policy

Source: The post “Heatwave crisis needs a vision, not just policy” has been created, based on “Heatwave crisis needs a vision, not just policy” published in “Indian Express” on 2nd May 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2- Governance

Context: Heatwaves are slow-onset disasters that develop over days or weeks, which makes sustained planning essential rather than only emergency response. The India Meteorological Department has warned that 2026 may witness an above-normal number of heatwave days, indicating increasing climate risks.

Current Measures: Heat Action Plans (HAPs)

1. Many Indian states and cities have developed Heat Action Plans to manage heatwave risks.
2. These plans focus on early warning systems, public advisories, and coordination among government departments.
3. These measures have helped in reducing heat-related mortality and illnesses in several regions.

Recent Policy Development

1. The 16th Finance Commission has recommended the inclusion of heatwaves as a nationally notified disaster.
2. This recommendation allows states to access funds from the National Disaster Risk Management Fund in addition to State Disaster Risk Management Funds.
3. This change increases the fiscal capacity of states to address both immediate relief and long-term resilience measures.

Limitations of Existing Framework

1. Most Heat Action Plans continue to focus mainly on short-term emergency responses rather than long-term solutions.
2. These plans do not adequately address structural drivers of heat vulnerability such as poor urban planning and infrastructure.
3. Urban areas continue to suffer from heat-absorbing construction materials, declining green cover, and inefficient cooling systems.
4. There is also unequal access to thermal comfort, which increases vulnerability among certain populations.

Need for a Comprehensive Policy Vision

1. The National Disaster Management Authority must take the lead in developing a long-term policy framework for heat resilience.
2. The framework should promote climate-sensitive urban planning to reduce heat exposure.
3. It should encourage the expansion of green and blue infrastructure to cool urban environments.
4. It should include improved building designs and infrastructure that are resistant to extreme heat.
5. It should also promote sustainable cooling solutions to reduce dependence on energy-intensive systems.

Institutional and Governance Reforms

• There is a need to strengthen institutional capacity at the local government level for effective implementation.
• Better coordination between urban planning bodies and disaster management authorities is required.
• Cities should be provided with technical support to design and execute long-term heat mitigation projects.

Challenges

1. There is inadequate integration between urban planning and disaster management frameworks, which leads to fragmented responses.
2. Many local bodies lack technical expertise and capacity to design and implement heat-resilient infrastructure.
3. Financial resources, although increased, may not be efficiently utilised due to weak governance and planning mechanisms.
4. Rapid urbanisation continues to increase heat vulnerability through concretisation and loss of green spaces.
5. Data gaps and limited localised climate projections hinder evidence-based planning.
6. Social inequalities result in disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations such as the urban poor and informal workers.

Way Forward

1. The government should institutionalise heat resilience within urban planning laws and building codes.
2. There should be dedicated funding streams for long-term heat mitigation projects rather than only emergency relief.
3. Capacity-building programmes must be strengthened for local governments and urban planners.
4. Cities should adopt nature-based solutions such as urban forests, water bodies, and green roofs.
5. Use of technology and data analytics should be enhanced for heat forecasting and risk mapping.
6. Public awareness campaigns should be expanded to promote behavioural adaptation and community participation.
7. A multi-level governance approach should be adopted to ensure coordination between central, state, and local authorities.

Conclusion: The availability of increased financial resources provides an opportunity to rethink India’s approach to heatwaves. India must shift from a relief-focused approach to a resilience-oriented policy framework. A clear and comprehensive vision is necessary to build cooler, safer, and more resilient cities in the future.

Question: Heatwaves in India require a long-term resilience-based policy framework rather than short-term relief measures. Discuss.

Source: Indian Express