The funds are now on the table. What India needs next is a policy vision for cooler, safer and more resilient cities.

3 min read May 2, 2026 06:20 AM IST First published on: May 2, 2026 at 06:10 AM IST

By Rohit Bagai

The India Meteorological Department has warned that the summer of 2026 could be particularly intense, with many parts of the country likely to experience an above-normal number of heatwave days. Heatwaves are unlike sudden disasters such as cyclones or flash floods. They unfold slowly, often building over days or weeks. This means they require sustained planning rather than only emergency response.

Recognising this, many Indian cities, districts and states have developed Heat Action Plans (HAPs). These plans play an important role in coordinating responses among government departments through early warning systems, public advisories, and emergency measures.…