How States are turning heat-action plans into mandates, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Chennai is integrating heat mitigation into its Third Master Plan, focusing on vulnerable spots with high surface temperatures and building density.
• States are facing obstacles in implementing climate action plans due to inadequate leadership and institutional barriers.
• Tamil Nadu is leading in climate action with the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC) as a nodal agency.
• The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) is helping cities measure the implementation of Heat Action Plans (HAPs).
• Maharashtra's Ratnagiri integrated climate resilience into its district development plan in February.

Detailed Insights:

• Localized planning for climate action is emerging in India, with States and UTs drafting climate action plans, but implementation faces challenges.
• Integrating climate goals into State processes, like annual progress reports to Assemblies, drives action, as seen in Odisha's climate budgets and Kerala's disaster management.
• Data portals, such as the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme and PM Surya Ghar portal, enhance transparency and monitoring of climate-related initiatives.
• The India Climate and Energy Dashboard, developed by Vasudha Foundation and NITI Aayog, integrates data for a holistic view of the national climate trajectory.
• The 16th Finance Commission recommending heatwaves as a nationally notified disaster will provide funds for cities to strengthen heat resilience.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Heat Action Plan (HAP): A set of measures to reduce the impact of heatwaves on vulnerable populations.
• Climate Resilience: The capacity to adapt and recover from the impacts of climate change.
• Nodal Agency: A designated organization responsible for coordinating activities related to a specific issue.