Climate-Resilient Cities and Urban Heatwaves: Government Initiatives
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Governance
Why in news
The PIB release highlights government efforts to address urban heatwaves and climate resilience in cities. It details guidelines, action plans, and schemes aimed at mitigating heat impacts, especially for vulnerable workers. This is crucial for current affairs as heatwaves are a growing concern in Indian cities.
Background
Urban planning is a state subject under the 12th Schedule of the Constitution. The central government supports states through advisories, guidelines, and financial assistance. The NDMA issued national guidelines in 2019 for heatwave action plans, and various ministries have launched initiatives to promote climate-resilient urban development.
Key facts
Urban planning falls under state governments and urban local bodies (ULBs) as per the 12th Schedule of the Constitution.
NDMA prepared 'National Guidelines for Preparing Heat Wave Action Plans' in 2019.
23 states, 195 districts, and 64 cities have prepared Heat Action Plans (HAPs).
NDMA issued an advisory on 'Protection of Informal Workers during Heatwaves in Indian Cities'.
The advisory suggests measures like shaded vending zones, water facilities, cooling centers, flexible work hours, and timely heat warnings.
MoHUA promotes climate-resilient urban development through guidelines like Urban Green Guidelines 2014 and URDPFI Guidelines 2014.
URDPFI Guidelines 2014 encourage climate-adaptive planning, energy-efficient building design, and green infrastructure.
PMAY-U provides central assistance for pucca houses to eligible urban beneficiaries since 25.06.2015.
Technology Sub-Mission (TSM) under PMAY-U was established to promote modern, innovative, and green technologies for housing construction.
India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) by MoEFCC provides an integrated approach to sustainable cooling across sectors.
Prelims pointers
- 12th Schedule of Constitution: urban planning is a state subject.
- NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority.
- Heat Action Plans (HAPs): prepared by states/districts/cities.
- URDPFI: Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation Guidelines, 2014.
- PMAY-U: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban, launched 25.06.2015.
- TSM: Technology Sub-Mission under PMAY-U.
- ICAP: India Cooling Action Plan by MoEFCC.
- MoHUA: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- MoEFCC: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Mains angles
- Discuss the challenges of urban heatwaves in India and the effectiveness of Heat Action Plans.
- Critically examine the role of urban planning in climate resilience, with reference to constitutional provisions and government initiatives.
- Evaluate the impact of schemes like PMAY-U and guidelines like URDPFI in promoting sustainable urban development.