The Karnataka government has proposed a comprehensive policy framework to strengthen heatwave preparedness and response across the state.
The Karnataka Heatwave Resilience & Integrated Heat Action Management Framework – 2026 outlines a detailed plan to establish a coordinated system for managing extreme heat, including institutional changes, emergency response mechanisms, and long-term climate adaptation measures.
The framework calls for a structured governance model led by the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority, with a State Chief Heat Officer and District Nodal Heat Officers to oversee local implementation and coordination.
Emergency response measures include the creation of hydration points, shaded shelters, and cooling centres in public spaces, as well as dedicated 'Cool Rooms' in government hospitals to treat heatstroke cases.
The proposal also focuses on preventive public health measures and worker safety, including mandatory rest periods for outdoor workers during peak afternoon heat and training programmes for ASHA workers and emergency responders.
Urban areas will benefit from a Climate-Resilient Urban Cooling Mission, targeting Bengaluru and other cities, with measures such as increasing tree cover, implementing cool roof technologies, and rejuvenating water bodies to mitigate urban heat buildup.
The framework identifies vulnerable groups as a priority, including construction workers, street vendors, children, elderly residents, homeless individuals, traffic police personnel, public transport workers, and agricultural labourers.
The proposal envisions a real-time Heat Emergency Response Network supported by digital dashboards and geographic information system-based mapping to track high-risk zones.
