The Maharashtra State Heat Action Plan 2024 is a strategic framework developed by the State Disaster Management Authority to mitigate the growing risks of heatwaves due to climate change. According to the IMDs criteria, the plan state heatwaves as an increase of 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal temperatures, with severe heatwaves exceeding 6.4°C. It identifies Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Khandesh as the most vulnerable regions, with 15 districts categorized as high-risk areas. The document highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, exacerbated by urban heat islands, water scarcity, and deforestation.
The plan outlines early warning systems, public health preparedness, and infrastructure adaptation to combat extreme temperatures. It emphasizes reserving hospital beds for heatstroke patients, ensuring water and electricity availability, and setting up cooling centers in urban and rural areas. The plan also focuses on community engagement through media awareness campaigns, mobile alerts, and collaborations with local government bodies to educate people on preventive measures. The governance framework ensures coordinated action among district collectors, health departments, municipal corporations, and emergency services to implement heat mitigation strategies effectively. Overall, the Heat Action Plan 2024 is a proactive policy initiative, aligning scientific research with disaster management to enhance climate resilience and reduce the devastating impacts of extreme heat on Maharashtra’s population and infrastructure. Through data-driven planning, health interventions, and community preparedness, the plan aims to protect vulnerable communities and strengthen the state’s adaptive capacity against rising temperatures.