New Delhi: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is developing heat action plans at every level to reduce heatwave exposure and improve thermal comfort. NDMA's Head of Department Krishna Vatsa stated that every city and district has its own characteristics and challenges, and Heat Action Plans are tailored accordingly.
The plans include measures like arranging for water, increasing vegetation, enabling cool roofs and cooling shelters. Vatsa said that discussions on parametric insurance are underway to address income losses faced by outdoor workers when restructuring their hours to avoid extreme heat.
While directly attributing deaths to heatwaves is difficult, mortality numbers have reduced over the last five years owing to efforts by the NDMA and other departments. The GHCF 2026 was convened to discuss extreme heat and sustainable cooling, with key officials and industry leaders in attendance.
