Nagpur: A brief respite in soaring temperatures due to recent cloudy conditions has given the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) a crucial window to push forward its long-pending Heat Action Plan for 2026, a move that comes amid growing concerns over heat-related health risks in the city.
The draft of the plan was tabled by the Public Health Department during the first meeting of the regulatory committee held at Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Standing Committee Hall on Monday. Key civic leaders, including Mayor Neeta Thakre, ruling party leader Narendra Borkar, Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, and Additional Municipal Commissioner Vasumana Pant, were present, along with other senior officials and committee heads.
Gold Rate
Mar 24,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Amid warnings of an intense summer ahead, the civic body has stepped up its preparedness by reviewing preventive strategies and plugging gaps in its response system. Mayor Thakre directed all departments to ensure coordinated implementation of heatstroke mitigation measures, stressing that public health safety must remain a top priority.
The plan focuses on expanding access to safe drinking water through public points, installation of water ATMs and filtration units, and creating shaded spaces across the city. Strengthening healthcare services at civic centres and launching large-scale public awareness campaigns on heatstroke prevention are also key components.
Medical Health Officer Deepak Selokar, while presenting the draft, highlighted additional interventions such as the use of green nets in vulnerable areas, introduction of a dedicated helpline, and expansion of water facilities in high-risk zones. Officials noted that Nagpur currently ranks among the top cities in the country for implementing heat mitigation strategies.
Dr Selokar said further meetings with all concerned departments will be held before finalising the plan. However, the slow pace of implementation raises concerns, with citizens left hoping that the temporary dip in temperatures lasts long enough for the administration to translate plans into action before the heat intensifies.
