T.N. unveils action plan to reduce heat-induced illnesses

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The heat action plan provides a roadmap for strengthening heat-risk forecasting, preparedness, and decision-making through multi-sectoral collaboration. | Photo Credit: Johan Sathyadas J

The State Heat Action Plan for Tamil Nadu, 2026, released by the Tamil Nadu government, provides a roadmap for strengthening heat-risk forecasting, preparedness, and decision-making through multi-sectoral collaboration.

It recommends solutions for heatwave management, and integration of recommended solutions into State programmes, among other measures.

To assess the human-perceived thermal stress, the heat action plan (HAP) has used the Steadman Heat Index, which combines air temperature and relative humidity to represent the apparent temperature experienced by the human body. “The classification of villages into heat risk categories is based on a relative heat risk assessment conducted at the district level, rather than a comparison of absolute land or air temperatures,” the plan document said.

It has provided hazard index, exposure index, vulnerability index, and heat risk index for the administrative units across Tamil Nadu, starting from village panchayats. For urban areas, it has provided the data at the ward level.

The HAP, prepared by the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority and the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency under the Commissionerate of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management, and released by Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, also explores the capability of AI modelling architecture.

It provides for multi-sectoral collaboration and data integration, a roadmap for Tamil Nadu-specific heat risk intelligence, and the way forward.

Besides offering plans for understanding and managing heat-related illnesses and rapid cooling, it provides for specific initiatives by hospitals towards heatwave preparedness.

The HAP also provides for agriculture sector preparedness and response plans, including short-term and long-term actions for heat stress management. Among th