The Heat Action Plan, which was created by the central government in 2016, still remains unimplemented in several cities across the country. Its purpose was to protect citizens from severe heat; it included installing water kiosks, issuing advisories, and making temporary arrangements in hospitals. Its first phase was supposed to be implemented in 20 cities, including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Bhopal, Jaipur, and Chennai, to mitigate the impact of heatwaves and prevent disruption of work during summer. ALSO READ: IMD issues heatwave alert for Rajasthan However, long-term measures for this plan are not visible on the ground in most cities, and no serious arrangements can be witnessed in these cities except Ahmedabad. Leaving 19 out of 20 cities unprotected. The impact of non-implementation remains visible via data. In 2024, 25,000 cases of heatstroke and 56 deaths were recorded. In 2025, this figure rose to 40,000 cases and 110 deaths. In 2026, Maharashtra alone has so far recorded 236 cases and 6 deaths. Preparation to change rules for declaring ‘heatwave’ Considering the rising temperatures and the impact of El Niño, the Indian Meteorological Department is preparing to change the criteria for declaring a heatwave. Currently, the rules for declaring a heatwave are based solely on temperature, which are not considered entirely accurate for coastal states like Kerala. New criteria may also include humidity and heat stress. This will enable accurate warnings in areas where heat impacts are high despite relatively low temperatures. How did Ahmedabad prepare for heat action plan? ALSO READ: Heatwave pushes power demand past 7,000 MW in Chhattisgarh 9 things were to be done, but remained incomplete in many cities Which city did what and what it didn’t 1. Delhi What was done: Target of 11,000 ‘cooling points’ (drinking water, sheds) this year. Chhabeels (free water stalls) were set up at metro stations and bus stops. What was not done: The number of cooling centers remained significantly lower than claimed. Cool roofs were not built. 2. Bhopal What was done: The health department instructed the creation of ‘heatstroke wards’ in hospitals. Neither sheds nor cool roofs were built, no heatwave alert system was implemented, nor was tree plantation accelerated. What was not done: No detailed budget or concrete heat action plan was implemented. In 1990, green cover was 66%, which has now reduced to 6%. 3. Indore: What was done: Heatstroke centers were established in 12 hospitals. Red light duration was reduced at traffic signals during the afternoon. What was not done: Cooling sheds were not installed in sensitive areas. In 1990, the green cover was 33%, which decreased to 10% in 2026. 4. Jaipur What was done: Special wards and ORS corners were created in hospitals. Changes in construction work hours were advised. What was not done: Adequate shelters and public cooling stations were not built for workers. Post navigation Bhopal needs thousands more towers for seamless 5G:Experts say weak indoor coverage and unstable speeds remain major citywide concerns
