Indian cities lack effective long-term heatwave strategies

A recent study has highlighted the lack of long-term heatwave preparedness in nine major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. The research, conducted by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC), found that while cities focus on immediate responses to heatwaves, sustainable actions are rare and often poorly targeted. The study examined key cities that represent over 11% of India's urban population. These cities are particularly vulnerable to heat, and the report warns of a potential increase in heat-related deaths as heatwaves become more frequent and intense. SFC interviewed 88 officials from city, district, and state governments involved in managing heat responses. They discovered that essential support measures, like providing cooling solutions for those most affected by heat, are generally lacking. Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a co-author, noted that lower-income workers are especially at risk due to their living and working conditions. The report identified several challenges faced by officials, such as poor coordination and a lack of priority placed on heat issues. To improve preparedness, SFC recommends strengthening Heat Action Plans at local government levels. This could help create long-term strategies and better monitor their effectiveness. Furthermore, the report calls for ongoing training and capacity-building for those responsible for heat management initiatives in the most vulnerable cities. The authors stress the urgency of implementing long-term solutions now to reduce mortality and economic damage in the future.