Urban Heat Challenges in Indian Cities: Need for Thermal Resilience
Urban Heat Challenges in Indian Cities: Need for Thermal Resilience
IN · Published Oct 26, 2026
• Indian cities are facing increasing challenges due to urban heat, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and inadequate planning.
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued advisories to protect vulnerable populations, including informal workers, during severe heatwaves.

Impact & Risks

The absence of effective urban planning and green buffers disproportionately affects low-income communities and informal workers. These groups face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses due to poor housing conditions and limited access to cooling infrastructure. Municipal bodies often lack the financial and technical capacity to implement climate resilience measures, leaving many areas reliant on donor-funded pilot projects. The NDMA's advisory aims to mitigate risks by recommending shaded vending zones, public drinking water stations, and adjusted work hours, but implementation remains inconsistent.

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