The Karnataka government is considering a state-level policy framework designed to improve preparedness and response to heatwaves, as rising temperatures and climate stresses increase risks to public health and infrastructure.
The proposed Karnataka Heatwave Resilience and Integrated Heat Work Management Framework – 2026 sets out a detailed plan for creating a coordinated extreme heat management system across districts. The framework, presented by the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission, outlines institutional changes, emergency response mechanisms and long-term climate adaptation measures.
“The framework provides a comprehensive, climate-responsive roadmap to strengthen Karnataka’s preparedness, emergency response systems, and protect public health against the risks of increasing heatwaves,” the proposal states.
At its core, the plan calls for a structured governance model led by the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority. It is proposed to appoint a Chief State Heat Officer and appoint nodal district heat officers in all districts to oversee implementation and coordination at the local level.
“The framework recommends appointment of State Chief Heat Officer under KSDMA along with designated Nodal Heat Officers in all districts to ensure coordinated implementation.”
The proposal emphasizes coordination between multiple departments, including revenue, health, labour, education, urban development, transport and rural development, along with municipal bodies, police and water supply agencies. Each region will be required to prepare a heat action plan, supported by early warning systems linked to meteorological data.
Emergency response measures outlined in the plan include establishing hydration points, shade shelters and cooling centers in public places. Government hospitals will set up dedicated “cold rooms” to treat heatstroke cases, while oral rehydration solutions will be distributed in schools, bus shelters, labor camps and other public institutions.
“The proposal includes mandatory district-level heat action plans, early warning systems integrated with IMD, public hydration infrastructure, shade shelters, cooling centres, and dedicated ‘cold rooms’ in government hospitals,” the document said.
Worker safety and preventive health care are a key part of the strategy. The proposal recommends mandatory rest periods for outdoor workers during peak afternoon heat, along with training programs for ASHA workers and emergency responders. Public awareness campaigns about drinking water and preventing heat-related illnesses are also included. “The framework also focuses on preventative public health measures and worker safety through mandatory outdoor worker rest periods during peak afternoon temperatures,” the framework notes.
In urban areas, the framework presents a climate-resilient urban cooling mission, targeting Bengaluru and other cities. Measures include increasing tree cover, implementing roof cooling techniques, using reflective materials in road construction, building shaded pedestrian walkways, and installing cooling bus canopies. The plan also calls for replenishing water bodies to mitigate heat buildup in urban areas.
The proposal identifies vulnerable groups as a priority, including construction workers, street vendors, children, elderly and homeless residents, traffic police personnel, public transportation workers and agricultural workers.
To enhance coordination, the framework recommends integrating heat management into the state’s broader disaster response and health surveillance systems. He envisions creating a real-time heat emergency response network supported by digital dashboards and GIS-based mapping to track high-risk areas.
“By bringing together scientific planning, institutional coordination, public health preparedness, climate adaptation strategies and citizen-centred governance, the framework envisions Karnataka becoming a national leader in heatwave resilience,” the document said.
