Gujarat braces for extreme summer, prepares action plan for high-risk cities

IANS April 3, 2025 418 views

Gujarat is taking proactive measures to combat the intensifying summer heat by developing comprehensive Heat Action Plans for ten high-risk cities. The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority is working closely with meteorological departments and local bodies to create scientific strategies for heat mitigation. Experts warn that climate change is making heat waves more frequent and severe, particularly impacting cities with high humidity. The state aims to protect vulnerable populations through early warning systems, cooling centers, and targeted awareness campaigns.

"Early heatwave conditions have raised concerns about water scarcity and increased heatstroke risks" - GSDMA Report
Gujarat braces for extreme summer, prepares action plan for high-risk cities
Gandhinagar, April 3: With Gujarat set to experience an intense summer, the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) has initiated proactive measures to combat the soaring temperatures.

Key Points

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Gujarat identifies 10 vulnerable cities for heat mitigation strategies

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GSDMA collaborates with IMD to develop scientific heat response

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Temperatures already exceeding 42°C in March signal critical climate challenges

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Comprehensive plans include early warning systems and cooling centers

GSDMA, on Wednesday, organised a multi-stakeholder workshop in Gandhinagar, identifying ten cities and towns most vulnerable to extreme heat. The state government has announced that Heat Action Plans (HAPs) will be developed and implemented to safeguard residents from heat-related health risks.

Experts warn that climate change is making heat waves more frequent and severe in Gujarat. Cities like Surat, Bhavnagar, and Junagadh are particularly at risk due to their high humidity levels, which exacerbate the effects of extreme heat. Meanwhile, rural areas face additional challenges, as a lack of infrastructure and awareness can heighten the risks.

Partnering with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), GSDMA is collaborating with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local governing bodies to ensure the scientific execution of these plans.

The ten cities identified for HAP implementation include Idar, Palanpur, Veraval, Radhanpur, Navsari, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Bhuj, Surat, and Valsad.

Ahmedabad, which pioneered India’s first Heat Action Plan in 2013, serves as a model for other cities. Even as summer 2025 begins, Gujarat has already faced red alerts due to extreme heat, with several districts recording temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius in March itself.

The early heatwave conditions have raised concerns about water scarcity, electricity demand surges, and increased heatstroke cases, prompting authorities to accelerate their preparedness efforts.

According to GSDMA, the Heat Action Plans will include early warning systems, cooling centers, awareness campaigns, and emergency response mechanisms to minimise the impact on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and children.

Local municipal corporations will play a crucial role in implementing heat mitigation strategies, such as increasing green cover, ensuring water availability, and setting up shaded public spaces. With meteorologists predicting record-breaking temperatures this summer, authorities urge citizens to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, and take necessary precautions.

The state weather department has forecasted that discomfort conditions due to hot and humid air are very likely to prevail over the coastal areas of the South Gujarat region and Saurashtra-Kutch until April 8.

Reader Comments

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Priya M.
This is such an important initiative! As someone who lives in Surat, I've noticed summers getting worse each year. The humidity makes it unbearable. Glad to see authorities taking action before it's too late. 🌞
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Rahul K.
While I appreciate the effort, I wish they'd included more rural areas in the plan. My village near Radhanpur suffers just as much, if not more, during heatwaves. We need water tankers and cooling centers too.
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Sunita P.
The Ahmedabad model worked well, so I'm hopeful this will help other cities too. But implementation is key - hope they actually follow through with the cooling centers and water stations they're promising.
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Amit D.
As a construction worker in Bhavnagar, this gives me some relief. Last summer we had 3 workers collapse from heatstroke on our site. More awareness and shaded areas would make a huge difference for people like us.
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Neha T.
I wonder if the plans include protecting stray animals too? They suffer terribly during heatwaves with no access to water or shade. Maybe community water bowls could be part of the initiative?
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Vikram S.
Good to see scientific approach with IMD and CEEW involved. But will they have enough budget? These plans need proper funding to be effective, not just announcements.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Gujarat Heat Wave Climate Change GSDMA Heat Action Plan Extreme Temperature Indian Meteorology
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