Heatwave Solutions Urged for Indian Cities Amid Rising Temperatures
Heatwave Solutions Urged for Indian Cities Amid Rising Temperatures
IN · Published Oct 12, 2026
• Indian cities such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu have recorded heat index values exceeding 50°C during the summer of
• This has led to over 40,000 cases of heat-related illnesses. Experts are calling for a revision of India's National Building Code (NBC) to address the growing issue of urban heat islands caused by the widespread use of concrete and glass in construction. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has proposed measures such as limiting air conditioning settings to 20°C–28°C, but experts argue that the focus should shift to climate-responsive architecture. This includes adopting passive cooling techniques, material innovations, and ventilation strategies to reduce reliance on artificial cooling systems.

Impact & Risks

The rising temperatures and urban heat islands pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems not only increases energy consumption but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. The current one-size-fits-all approach of the NBC fails to address the diverse climatic conditions across India, leaving many regions ill-equipped to handle extreme heat events.

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