Skip to main content

Can Small Cities Adopt Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan, or Are We Still Unprepared for Heatwaves?


Team GSRN| 19-04-2025

New Delhi: As India faces rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, cities are under pressure to act. Ahmedabad set a benchmark in heatwave preparedness by introducing South Asia’s first Heat Action Plan (HAP) back in 2013.

The plan includes early warning systems, public awareness campaigns promote hydration and sun safety, health worker training targets heatstroke treatment, cooling centres offer relief in public spaces, and measures for vulnerable populations. Ahmedabad's HAP is a well-thought-out, community-based strategy created by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) with support from the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) and the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC).

According to studies by IIPH and NRDC, the city has seen a 25–30% drop in heat-related deaths since the HAP began. More importantly, people are more aware, alert, and prepared. The central government, recognizing its success, has encouraged other urban areas to adopt similar plans. Over 100 cities have already taken inspiration, and several states are now preparing their own Heat Action Plans.

But can smaller cities follow the same path?

The answer is yes…but with effort. Smaller cities need to adjust the plan to fit their local needs. They also need proper training, funds, and support to make it work. Right now, many of these cities are still unprepared. They lack warning systems, public awareness, and strong healthcare services. As heatwaves become more common and dangerous, it's important that small cities act fast. With the right steps, they can protect their people but without action, they’ll remain at high risk.

In states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and even parts of Odisha, heatwaves are becoming more common and more dangerous. Ahmedabad’s experience shows that we don’t need expensive solutions but we need the smart, and community-centered planning.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Climate change reshapes global weather patterns: India's 2025 outlook

By Preety Chaudhary| 02 May, 2025 As the climate crisis intensifies, 2025 has emerged as a pivotal year, with India experiencing unprecedented weather extremes that underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies. India faced an early and intense heatwave in April 2025, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in Delhi and reaching a staggering 46.4°C in Barmer, Rajasthan. Such extremes are becoming increasingly common, attributed largely to human-driven climate change. Meanwhile, the Himalayas recorded their lowest snowfall in 23 years, threatening the freshwater supply for nearly two billion people across Asia. This decline jeopardizes agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water resources in the region. Globally, abrupt temperature shifts rapid transitions between extreme heat and cold have increased, affecting over 60% of the planet. These fluctuations, driven by jet stream changes and soil moisture variations, pose significant challenges to agriculture and infrastructure. Climate ch...
Post a Comment
Read more

Farmers and Pesticide Exposure in India: A Growing Concern

By Preety Chaudhary| May 4 ,2025 Delhi: Pesticide exposure remains a serious threat to the health and safety of Indian farmers. Recent studies have revealed alarming trends in both awareness levels and the adoption of preventive measures across agricultural communities. A study in Telangana highlighted that farmers are facing a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, skin disorders, and even neurological symptoms, due to unsafe pesticide practices. Many still handle chemicals without adequate protective gear or proper knowledge of safety protocols. In North India, over 55% of farmers reportedly do not read pesticide labels, while nearly 80% remain unaware of bans or restrictions on certain chemicals. The widespread ignorance about personal protective equipment (PPE) further increases their vulnerability. Despite the risks, conventional pesticides continue to dominate Indian agriculture due to their high efficacy, affordability, and long-lasting action. These chemicals a...
Post a Comment
Read more