India is grappling with a heat crisis that is more than just a seasonal inconvenience; it is a pressing governance issue that demands a shift from reactive to proactive strategies. Current approaches treat heatwaves as isolated events requiring emergency responses, but this mindset fails to address the long-term implications of climate change on urban living. The recent Supreme Court ruling affirming climate action as a constitutional right has heightened expectations for local governments to integrate heat resilience into their planning and infrastructure.
Municipalities, which hold the primary responsibility for urban governance, are currently ill-equipped to manage heat stress effectively. Despite the existence of Heat Action Plans (HAPs), these guidelines lack legal enforceability and are not embedded in municipal laws. This gap means that local authorities are not held accountable for their implementation, leaving vulnerable populations without necessary protections. The absence of statutory obligations to address heat resilience translates into a lack of resources and political will to tackle this growing crisis.
