Heat action plan for Thane city 2024

An action plan against heat waves for Thane City was released by the Thane Municipal Corporation. It was published on March 6, 2024, by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. 

Heatwaves in Thane are forecast to increase in frequency, intensity, and duration. Since it is a coastal region with an added risk of humidity, the temperatures will elevate by 3–4 degrees. 

Thus, the heat action plan is prepared to minimise heat-incurred illnesses and stress and have a zero mortality rate during intense heat. 

The action plan presents a ‘when, where, who how’ framework for action strategies. It also undertakes intensive heat risk assessment through historical patterns and future projections. 

Key highlights of the heat action plan

• Thane has seen an average increase of 3 degrees Celsius in the difference between felt and dry temperature in the past 40 years. Alongside a notable rise in dry and felt temperatures.
• Climatologists project a threefold increase in the frequency of extremely hot days by 2040. While the frequency of warm nights will increase fourfold. Thus, the plan prioritises long-term heat risk reduction and the cultivation of preparedness in response to heat waves. 
• Wagle and Mumbra wards are under the highest risk. Kalwa and Lokmanya Savarkar Nagar Prabhag Samitees are categorised as having moderate risk. While Diva, Naupada and Uthalsar fall in low risk. Followed by Majiwada-Manpada and Vartak Nagar, which are very low-risk. 
• Impact-based heat-health early warnings will be provided by establishing month-wise local heat thresholds of felt heat. 
• A Heat Wave Task Force Committee is set to monitor the execution of the plan and review progress after the summer season.

Read the entire report here: