The Government of Uttar Pradesh officially launched the Agra City Heat Action Plan, in response to the escalating threat of extreme heat events intensified by global climate change.
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Global temperatures surpassed the 1.5°C threshold in 2024, making heatwaves more frequent, severe, and longer-lasting.
- Agra recorded temperatures as high as 48.6°C in May 2024 — a dangerous level that highlights the combined effect of climate change and urban heat island effects.
- Slum areas with inadequate infrastructure, such as lack of clean water and sanitation, are disproportionately affected.
- Rapid urbanization and industrial growth in Agra have degraded the environment, contributing to air pollution and loss of green cover.
Why It Matters:
Agra’s plan recognizes that low- and middle-income countries, like India, face greater climate vulnerability due to insufficient infrastructure and poor urban planning. The government emphasizes the urgent need for emission reduction and climate-resilient urban development.
Plan Objectives:
- Reduce heat-related health risks through early warning systems, public awareness, and healthcare readiness.
- Promote green infrastructure and improve urban planning to mitigate heat islands.
- Target vulnerable communities for immediate intervention — including slums, elderly populations, and outdoor workers.
The Agra Heat Action Plan is a timely policy step aimed at protecting human health and improving resilience in one of India’s iconic but climate-vulnerable cities. Full implementation will require coordination across municipal, state, and national agencies, as well as active community participation.
