Heatwave resilience framework on the anvil

Bengaluru

The Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission has proposed an ambitious ‘Karnataka Heatwave Resilience & Integrated Heat Action Management Framework – 2026’, aimed at strengthening the State’s preparedness and response to intensifying heatwave conditions. The proposal, submitted by S. Mohanadass Hegde, Member of the Commission, lays out a comprehensive roadmap to safeguard public health, livelihoods and essential services amid rising temperatures linked to climate change.

The framework envisions the creation of a coordinated, technology-enabled Heat Action Governance System under the supervision of the Government of Karnataka and the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). A key recommendation includes the appointment of a State Chief Heat Officer, supported by District Nodal Heat Officers across all districts, to ensure decentralised and efficient implementation. Highlighting the growing threat of urban heat island effects and extreme weather events driven by climate change, the proposal calls for strong interdepartmental coordination involving departments such as Revenue, Health, Labour, Education, Urban Development, the GBA, Transport, Rural Development, police authorities, BWSSB, and local bodies.

It mandates the preparation of district-level Heat Action Plans (HAPs) and integration of early warning systems with the India Meteorological Department to enable timely alerts and response. The framework outlines several on-ground measures, including the establishment of public hydration points, shaded shelters, cooling centres, and dedicated ‘cool rooms’ in government hospitals for heatstroke management. It also recommends the widespread distribution of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) at schools, bus stands, labour camps and other public spaces, alongside the emergency deployment of ambulances and trained healthcare personnel during heat alerts.

Worker safety and preventive healthcare are critical components of the plan. The proposal suggests mandatory rest periods for outdoor workers during peak afternoon heat, along with capacity-building initiatives for ASHA workers and emergency responders. Statewide awareness campaigns on hydration and heatstroke prevention are also emphasised. A major highlight is the proposed Climate-Resilient Urban Cooling Mission for Bengaluru and other urban centres.

This includes expanding tree canopy cover, implementing cool roof initiatives, introducing reflective road technologies, building smart cooling bus shelters, improving shaded pedestrian infrastructure, and rejuvenating water bodies to reduce urban heat island effects. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups such as construction workers, street vendors, senior citizens, children, homeless individuals, traffic police personnel, public transport workers and agricultural labourers. The framework also proposes integrating heatwave management with Karnataka’s disaster response architecture, health surveillance platforms and municipal governance mechanisms to establish a real-time Heat Emergency Response Network, supported by digital dashboards and GIS-based heat vulnerability mapping.