New Delhi | 9 February 2026
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to climate-resilient urban development, Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma raised the issue of rising urban heat stress in the House and sought an update on the measures being implemented to protect citizens and strengthen India’s cities against extreme heat events.
Responding to the Unstarred Question, the Government informed the Rajya Sabha that a comprehensive, science-led framework is already in place to assess and address urban heat risks. Regular climate and heatwave assessments are conducted through national scientific institutions, supported by seasonal, monthly, and extended-range heatwave forecasts. District-wise Heatwave Vulnerability Atlases and hot weather hazard maps have been developed, while national and state-level preparedness meetings are held ahead of every summer season.
The House was informed that National Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Heatwaves have been in force since 2019. As a result, Heat Action Plans have been prepared across 23 States, 195 districts, and 64 cities, focusing on early warnings, coordinated response mechanisms, and protection of vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
On urban planning, the Government stated that while planning is a State and Urban Local Body subject, the Centre is providing sustained financial and technical support. Multiple national guidelines promote heat-resilient city design, including expansion of green spaces and urban forests, conservation of water bodies, use of reflective and climate-responsive materials, improved street orientation, green roofs, and semi-pervious surfaces to reduce heat buildup.
The Government further highlighted that heat mitigation and climate resilience are being systematically mainstreamed into flagship urban schemes. Under AMRUT, 2,497 park projects worth ₹1,576.45 crore have been developed, adding over 5,277 acres of green space. Under AMRUT 2.0, 1,665 park projects worth ₹1,117.48 crore and 3,016 water body rejuvenation projects worth ₹6,223.48 crore have been approved. The Smart Cities Mission has incorporated measures such as green corridors, rooftop gardens, and cool pavement technologies in several cities, while PMAY-Urban promotes climate-responsive and energy-efficient housing designs to enhance thermal comfort.
Additional incentives are being provided to States to undertake urban planning reforms focused on blue and green infrastructure, urban forests, sponge city planning, and conservation of natural ecosystems. Urban greening initiatives under national clean air programmes, including micro-forests and Nagar Vans, are also contributing to the reduction of urban heat stress.
Welcoming the detailed Government reply, Shri Kartikeya Sharma noted that India is moving in a clear and positive direction by embedding climate science into urban planning and infrastructure development.
“The framework, data, and intent are firmly in place. The focus now must be on speed, scale, and measurable outcomes so that the benefits of heat-resilient planning translate into real relief for citizens on the ground,” he said.
Shri Sharma emphasized that heat-resilient cities are integral to public health, productivity, and quality of life, and align closely with the Government’s vision of sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready urban India.