Hazard Mitigation, Urban Design, Environmental Planning
Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan
Ahmedabad, India
Active Period
First introduced in 2013, regularly updated and expanded.
Description
Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan (HAP) was developed in response to the deadly 2010 heatwave that resulted in over 1,300 excess deaths. The plan, first implemented in 2013, introduced an early warning system, public education campaigns, and adaptive strategies such as cool roofs and heat shelters to reduce the impacts of extreme heat. The plan has been instrumental in reducing heat-related mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and low-income communities.
Outstanding Features
Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan is an example of proactive climate adaptation that addresses the rising threat of extreme heat in urban areas in India. The plan’s multi-faceted approach—combining early warnings, community education, and structural adaptations—has significantly reduced mortality rates. The initiative serves as a model for cities across India that are increasingly facing heatwaves due to climate change. By focusing on preparedness rather than emergency response, Ahmedabad sets a precedent for how cities can build resilience with low-cost interventions, such as cooling roofs and incorporating traditional heat-resistant building materials.
More information: https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/ahmedabad-heat-action-plan-2019-update.pdf