Vishwas Chitale, Fellow, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT | 14th APRIL 2026 — “Extreme heat in India is no longer just a daytime hazard; CEEW research shows that very warm nights are increasing faster than hot days, preventing the human body from recovering and significantly escalating health risks. With more than 75% of Indian population residing in high-risk districts, we must move beyond emergency responses toward long-term structural resilience. Strengthening Heat Action Plans (HAPs) requires a shift to risk-informed planning that accounts for localised factors like rising humidity and urban heat islands. We urgently need to mainstream solutions such as cool roofs, net-zero cooling shelters, and parametric insurance to protect our most vulnerable communities and outdoor workforces. Only by integrating climate data into city-level infrastructure we will be able to effectively tackle this invisible disaster and safeguard India’s public health and economic productivity.”
