India’s Heat Action Plans: Gaps, Challenges, and the Urgent Need for Long-Term Solutions

Heatwaves in India are no longer sporadic or isolated events. With each passing year, they are becoming more intense, more prolonged, and increasingly life-threatening. Cities once known for their spring breeze now experience summer-like conditions as early as March. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with various state and municipal agencies, has initiated Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to tackle the crisis. These are supposed to serve as early warning systems and preparedness guides to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat. However, recent research shows that most Indian cities are still heavily dependent on short-term measures, with very little effort being made towards long-term resilience. This article explores the findings of a major study conducted by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative and several international universities, examining heat preparedness i