Saving lives through a heat-health action plan in India
Categories: Action Line 2: Evidence-based policy strategy and capacity building, Climate-transformative leadership and governance, Integrated risks, monitoring, early warning, and GHG emissions tracking, Heat and cold
Country: India
Organizations: World Bank
The intervention
Following the devastating 2010 heatwave that caused over 1,300 excess deaths, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) partnered with the Public Health Foundation of India, Natural Resources Defense Council, and international experts to develop the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan (HAP) - the first city-level heat-health plan in South Asia. Implemented in 2013, the HAP established a citywide framework to mitigate heat-related illness and mortality through public awareness campaigns, early warning systems, heat emergency protocols, and capacity building for healthcare workers. It also launched the Cool Roofs Program, encouraging affordable, heat-reflective roofing to reduce exposure and energy demand in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Success factors
The HAP’s effectiveness lies in its scientific foundation and strong inter-agency coordination. Research on heatwave mortality and vulnerability guided interventions targeting high-risk groups such as slum dwellers and outdoor workers. Clearly defined roles for government departments enabled coordinated emergency responses, while a color-coded alert system and cooling centers ensured rapid action during extreme events. Continuous public education through media, schools, and community leaders improved heat literacy. Between 2014 and 2015, the plan is estimated to have prevented 2,380 deaths. Regular evaluation and annual updates further strengthened its adaptability and led to national and regional replication across South Asia.
Recommendations
Replicating Ahmedabad’s success requires institutionalized coordination, effective communication, and data-driven forecasting. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities are imperative for an effective emergency response to extreme heat since a robust emergency response requires coordination and seamless collaboration across multiple departments and stakeholders. Elevating public awareness and disseminating information effectively are essential elements of the overall strategy to combat heat-related risks. Enhanced and timely weather forecasting also enables more effective heat planning and response strategies. In cities without access to reliable local climate forecasts, support from external partners is pivotal in developing robust early warning systems.
Key resources
Click here to return to the Belém Health Action Library