Beat the heat: How cities are coping with rising summer temperatures

As India reels under intense heat waves this summer, cities are scrambling to adapt with innovative and immediate solutions to protect their citizens from soaring temperatures.

Mercury on the Rise: Heatwaves Becoming the New Normal

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 2025 has already witnessed record-breaking temperatures in several states, with cities like Delhi, Nagpur, and Bhubaneswar reporting highs above 45°C. Experts attribute this to climate change, rapid urbanization, and loss of green cover, which are intensifying the "urban heat island" effect.

Cool Roofs and White Paint: Simple Yet Effective Solutions

Several municipal corporations have begun promoting “cool roofs” – painting rooftops with reflective white paint to reduce indoor temperatures. Hyderabad has scaled up this model under its Heat Action Plan, claiming a 2–3°C drop inside affected homes.

Public Cooling Measures: From Water Booths to Shade Nets

Cities like Ahmedabad and Bhopal are setting up temporary water booths, misting stations, and shaded resting areas at bus stands, railway stations, and markets. Kolkata has even deployed mobile water tankers in crowded zones to hydrate commuters.

Urban Planning for a Hot Future

Urban planners are advocating for long-term cooling strategies: expanding green spaces, using heat-resistant building materials, and redesigning public spaces. Bhubaneswar’s plan to increase urban tree cover by 20% by 2030 is a promising step.

Helping the Vulnerable: Special Focus on Outdoor Workers

Daily wage laborers, street vendors, and traffic personnel bear the brunt of the heat. Some state governments have restricted outdoor work between 12 noon and 3 PM, while also distributing ORS packets and caps to workers.

Tech to the Rescue: Data-Driven Heat Management

Startups and civic bodies are collaborating to create heat-mapping dashboards using satellite data and IoT sensors. These tools are helping cities identify critical hotspots and deploy resources more efficiently.

Conclusion: Adaptation is No Longer Optional

As climate trends indicate more frequent and severe heatwaves in the years to come, cities must move beyond temporary relief and invest in sustainable urban cooling strategies. The summer of 2025 is a wake-up call – and a test of resilience for Indian cities.