{"id":362060,"date":"2026-05-02T21:35:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T16:05:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=362060"},"modified":"2026-05-02T21:35:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T16:05:58","slug":"heatwave-crisis-needs-a-vision-not-just-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/heatwave-crisis-needs-a-vision-not-just-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"Heatwave crisis needs a vision, not just policy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Source<\/strong>: The post \u201cHeatwave crisis needs a vision, not just policy\u201d<\/strong> has been created, based on “Heatwave crisis needs a vision, not just policy\u201d<\/strong> published in \u201cIndian Express\u201d on 2nd May 2026.<\/p>\n

UPSC Syllabus:<\/strong> GS Paper-2- Governance<\/p>\n

Context: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Current Measures: Heat Action Plans (HAPs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Many Indian states and cities have developed Heat Action Plans to manage heatwave risks.<\/li>\n
  2. These plans focus on early warning systems, public advisories, and coordination among government departments.<\/li>\n
  3. These measures have helped in reducing heat-related mortality and illnesses in several regions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Recent Policy Development<\/strong><\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. The 16th Finance Commission has recommended the inclusion of heatwaves as a nationally notified disaster.<\/li>\n
    2. This recommendation allows states to access funds from the National Disaster Risk Management Fund in addition to State Disaster Risk Management Funds.<\/li>\n
    3. This change increases the fiscal capacity of states to address both immediate relief and long-term resilience measures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Limitations of Existing Framework<\/strong><\/h2>\n
        \n
      1. Most Heat Action Plans continue to focus mainly on short-term emergency responses rather than long-term solutions.<\/li>\n
      2. These plans do not adequately address structural drivers of heat vulnerability such as poor urban planning and infrastructure.<\/li>\n
      3. Urban areas continue to suffer from heat-absorbing construction materials, declining green cover, and inefficient cooling systems.<\/li>\n
      4. There is also unequal access to thermal comfort, which increases vulnerability among certain populations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Need for a Comprehensive Policy Vision<\/strong><\/h2>\n
          \n
        1. The National Disaster Management Authority must take the lead in developing a long-term policy framework for heat resilience.<\/li>\n
        2. The framework should promote climate-sensitive urban planning to reduce heat exposure.<\/li>\n
        3. It should encourage the expansion of green and blue infrastructure to cool urban environments.<\/li>\n
        4. It should include improved building designs and infrastructure that are resistant to extreme heat.<\/li>\n
        5. It should also promote sustainable cooling solutions to reduce dependence on energy-intensive systems.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Institutional and Governance Reforms<\/strong><\/h2>\n