How is India Leading in Extreme Heat Risk Management under PM Modi?
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Synopsis
India is stepping up its game in extreme heat risk management under PM Modi's leadership. With innovative strategies and community involvement, the nation aims to safeguard public health and enhance resilience against rising temperatures. Learn more about India's proactive measures and their implications for a sustainable future.
Key Takeaways
- Proactive heat risk management strategies are essential for public health.
- The Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan is a model for other cities.
- Community engagement is crucial in implementing heat action plans.
- Integrating traditional knowledge enhances resilience.
- Technology plays a vital role in early warning systems.
New Delhi, June 7 (NationPress) India has adopted a proactive and forward-thinking strategy for extreme heat risk management under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated Dr. PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.
During his keynote address at the Special Session on Extreme Heat Risk Governance in Geneva, he emphasized that increasing temperatures present a systemic threat to public health, economic stability, and ecological resilience.
"India appreciates the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction's (UNDRR) initiative aimed at enhancing the Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance as a platform for shared learning, guidance, and collaboration,” he conveyed to the audience, as per a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday.
Dr. Mishra highlighted that India has progressed from merely responding to disasters to implementing integrated preparedness and mitigation strategies. Since 2016, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has formulated comprehensive national guidelines on heatwave management, which were updated in 2019, establishing a foundation for decentralized Heat Action Plans (HAPs).
He acknowledged the groundbreaking ‘Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan’, which showcased how early warnings, inter-agency coordination, and community outreach can save lives.
“Over 250 cities and districts across 23 heat-prone states are operational with Heat Action Plans, supported by NDMA’s advisory, technical, and institutional frameworks,” asserted the Principal Secretary, emphasizing that improved surveillance, hospital readiness, and awareness campaigns have significantly lowered heatwave-related fatalities.
India’s approach is whole-of-government and whole-of-society, involving ministries from health, agriculture, urban development, labor, power, water, education, and infrastructure.
“Extreme heat greatly affects communities, and India has actively integrated traditional wisdom and local experiences into its response,” remarked Dr. Mishra.
He noted that schools have become pivotal in fostering behavioral change, teaching children about climate resilience. He also stressed the necessity for strengthening hospitals and primary health centers to ensure swift and effective emergency responses.
Detailing India’s shift from a preparedness-only approach to long-term heatwave mitigation, including cool roof technologies, passive cooling centers, urban greening, and the restoration of traditional water bodies, Mishra confirmed that India is incorporating Urban Heat Island (UHI) assessments into city planning.
He called for a global emphasis on creating a localized heat-humidity index based on real-time data to improve early warning systems, advancing building technologies and passive cooling innovations that are both economically viable and culturally fitting, while addressing equity issues, as extreme heat disproportionately impacts women, outdoor workers, the elderly, and children.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize India's comprehensive approach to tackling extreme heat risks. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern strategies exemplifies a balanced perspective that aligns with national interests and public welfare, positioning India as a leader in climate resilience.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's Heat Action Plan?
India's Heat Action Plan (HAP) is a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Disaster Management Authority to address the risks posed by extreme heat. It includes early warning systems, community outreach, and coordinated responses across various government sectors, aiming to reduce heat-related mortality.
How is the government engaging communities in heat risk management?
The government is engaging communities through education, particularly in schools, and by incorporating traditional wisdom into its strategies. Community outreach initiatives are essential for raising awareness and ensuring effective implementation of Heat Action Plans.
What role does technology play in India's heat management strategies?
Technology plays a pivotal role in India's heat management strategies by enhancing surveillance, improving early warning systems, and developing affordable cooling technologies. These innovations are crucial for effective response and mitigation efforts.
Why is a localized heat-humidity index important?
A localized heat-humidity index is vital for improving early warning systems and ensuring that responses are tailored to specific regional conditions. This helps in better preparedness and can significantly reduce the impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.
How are the effects of extreme heat being addressed for vulnerable populations?
The strategies implemented by India, such as community outreach and awareness campaigns, specifically target vulnerable populations including women, outdoor workers, the elderly, and children, to ensure they receive the necessary support during heatwaves.
