By Dr. Nipra Ajamani and Dr. Prasoon Singh, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India

Urbanisation in India is significantly intensifying the impact of heatwaves. Indian cities are experiencing an early and intense heatwave summer, with temperatures soaring across multiple states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings, predicting above-normal heatwave days from April to June 2025, highlighted in the current news articles[1]. Moreover, the IMD have forecasted the arrival of the extreme heat season of 2025. It included the red and yellow alerts in different states[2]. Also, the year 2024 had one of its hottest summers in 14 years, with 536 days of heatwaves across the country. In Churu, Rajasthan, the temperature hit 50.5°C, the highest of the season[3]. Studies recorded the four warmest years as 2016 (+0.71°C anomaly), 2009 (+0.55°C), 2017 (+0.54°C), and 2010 (+0.53°C)[4]. Heatwaves are expected to start earlier, persist longer, and occur more frequently, with urban heat island effects intensifying their severity, leading to an increase in heat-related deaths, heightened instances of heat stress, unbearable working conditions, and a broader spread of vector-borne diseases[5]. By 2050, it is projected that 24 urban centres in India will experience average summer temperatures exceeding 35°C, disproportionately affecting economically weaker sections of society[6]. These heat-related challenges have profound implications for health, mortality rates, and labour productivity.

Presently, heatwaves are declared based on specific criteria, such as deviations from normal and maximum temperatures sustained over two consecutive days. This method often overlooks crucial contextual factors, particularly how these thresholds intersect with socio-urban dynamics. As a result, reactive response mechanisms are activated only after a heatwave is officially declared, leaving already vulnerable populations exposed to significant risks stemming from heat sensitivity. The focus shall move towards the use of Technology & Innovation to enhance adaptation measures like Spatial data analysis using GIS and RS, AI based climate and weather monitoring, focus on smart urban cooling solutions, strengthen the more localised high precision in analysing the heat phenomenon both in terms of spatial and temporal using these advance tools and technologies available to have very localised data to target specific interventions at specific location and can’t be generic in nature what is currently being practiced.

The issue of urban heat significantly impacts India’s economy, labour productivity, and public health. An article by Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) highlighted that from 2001 to 2020, the country experienced an annual average loss of approximately 259 billion labour hours due to heat[7]. Also, the 2022 heatwave further intensified this crisis, with wheat yields declining by 15–20%, milk production dropping by 15%, and poultry farmers facing severe financial losses as chicken prices fell by 50% amid heat-induced urgencies. Additionally, the deterioration of perishable vegetables contributed to rising food inflation, imposing further economic strain on households.

To address such challenges, the National Disaster Management Authority issued guidelines (NDMA, 2020), urging state and municipal authorities to develop Heat Action Plans (HAPs). In response, the country has introduced multiple strategic policies and initiatives aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. These include the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), Nagar Van Scheme, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT and A Green India for All. Aligned with SDG 13, the Government of India has launched various policies to enhance adaptive capacity and resilience against rising heat risks. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has formulated a National Disaster Management Plan and Policy, establishing frameworks for mitigating heatwaves through early warnings, public awareness campaigns, and inter-agency coordination for emergency responses. A noteworthy development was the introduction of the Panchamrit agenda by the Indian Prime Minister at COP26, outlining five key climate targets: Achieving 500 MW of non-fossil energy capacity; Meeting 50% of energy needs from renewable sources; Reducing one billion tons of carbon emissions; Lowering the carbon-intensive economy by 45% by 2030; Attaining net-zero emissions by 2070⁴.

Essentially, there is a need for integrating heat adaptation into urban planning to have the climate-responsive measures in city master planning to ensure capacity building, infrastructure support and financing for implementation. Increasing green spaces, urban forestry, etc., and mixed land use plans to overcome the concentrated impact of vehicular emissions and congestion and increasing shaded streets as much as possible shall be considered for LULC planning. The development of heat resilient buildings and infrastructures with technological innovations and the use of energy efficient solutions, energy efficient building, building materials and solutions such as permeable pavements to reduce heat absorption.

Apart from this, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) can be a way forward. Other than urban afforestation, technologies such as green roofing, cool roofing and promoting blue-green infrastructure, pond and water body rejuvenation and protection to enhance cooling can be promoted for urban heat adaptation practices. Water sensitive urban design can be an agenda point in the articles as a solution for adaptation planning, such as a concept on landscape cooling through measures like the creation of artificial wetlands and the restoration of a natural drainage system.

At the local community level, it is essential to work with them closely. Equip them with knowledge and resources to combat heat stress through Public Awareness Campaigns, educating residents on heat stress management, EWS, establishing public shelters with shade and drinking water and use of IOT tools and technologies for dissemination.

With extreme heat becoming a defining feature of India’s urban landscape, adaptation has shifted from being optional to an urgent necessity. The way forward lies in strategies that are long-term, context-specific, and inclusive, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable populations. This involves redesigning urban spaces through climate-responsive planning, expanding green and blue infrastructure, and leveraging data-driven technologies for precise, targeted solutions. Equally important is fostering strong collaboration among governments, urban planners, civil society, researchers, and local communities. By adopting a comprehensive, people-centred approach to heat adaptation, India can not only safeguard its cities against soaring temperatures but also cultivate urban spaces that are healthier, more equitable, and resilient for future generations.

[1] https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/2025-summer-may-rival-last-years-record-heat-warns-imd-heatwave-days-may-spike-from-april-to-june/ar-AA1C0Eqj

[2] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/heatwave-north-india-early-summer-2025-uttar-pradesh-125040800602_1.html

[3] https://www.aqi.in/blog/first-heatwave-alert-in-india-2025/

[4] Ravindra, K., Bhardwaj, S., Ram, C., Goyal, A., Singh, V., Venkataraman, C., … & Mor, S. (2024). Temperature projections and heatwave attribution scenarios over India: A systematic review. Heliyon, 10(4)

[5] Dholakia, H.H. et al. (2020). Extreme Events and Health in Mumbai, India. In: Akhtar, R. (eds) Extreme Weather Events and Human Health. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978- 3-030-23773-8_24.

[6] The future we don’t want: How climate change could impact the world’s greatest cities. Technical Report. C40 Cities, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, UCCRN and ACCLIMATISE. https://www.c40.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1789_Future_We_ Dont_Want_Report_1.4_hi-res_120618.original.pdf

[7] https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/financing-indias-heat-resilience/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.