Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
India has implemented significant governance structures to address extreme heat, with a focus on early warning systems, public health management, and adaptation strategies.
India’s efforts have resulted in a reduction of heat-related illnesses and mortality, particularly in urban areas, where lower- income populations are especially vulnerable. Governance is coordinated at multiple levels, involving national, state, and local governments.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) plays a central role in developing heat action plans (HAPs) and early warning systems, collaborating with state-level and district- level disaster management authorities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides a five-day probabilistic heat early warning system, along with daily and seasonal forecasts. These warnings help regions prepare for heatwaves and protect vulnerable populations. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, leads health system capacity-building initiatives to manage heat-related illnesses. State and local governments, particularly in cities like Ahmedabad, implement localized heat action plans tailored to regional needs.
India’s early warning systems are adapted to the country’s diverse climate and linguistic landscape. State-specific approaches, such as translating warnings into local languages, ensure accessibility in urban and rural areas alike. Local governments collaborate with civil society organizations, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Indian Institute of Public Health, to develop and implement heat action plans in cities like Ahmedabad and Jodhpur.
India also leverages public-private and nonprofit collaborations. Heat insurance pilots, targeting vulnerable populations like outdoor workers and women in low-income urban areas, have been launched with organizations such as the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and Mahila Housing Trust.
Although challenges around sustainability remain, these initiatives provide financial protection during extreme heat. Additionally, cooling solutions like the Cool Roofs Initiative, which installs reflective materials on rooftops to reduce indoor temperatures, have been piloted in several states.
India has achieved notable successes in heat management, particularly in Ahmedabad, the first city to implement a heat action plan. Ahmedabad’s HAP has significantly reduced heat- related illnesses and mortality and has served as a model for other regions. The scaling of heat action plans across the country has led to more scientific, evidence-based approaches. Early warning systems have expanded to cover more regions since 2015, providing impact-based warnings nationwide.
Furthermore, multi-sectoral integration-spanning agriculture, water management, utilities, and transportation-reflects India’s comprehensive approach to heat resilience.
India’s innovative and collaborative efforts position the country as a leader in managing extreme heat. While challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the sustainability of heat insurance programmes and recognizing heat as a formal disaster.
India’s focus on scaling its initiatives across states and sectors demonstrates its commitment to building robust heat adaptation strategies.