Bhubaneswar Launches IHCAP

Bhubaneswar has become the first Indian city to launch an Integrated Heat and Cooling Action Plan (IHCAP Bhubaneswar), a pioneering initiative to tackle the growing challenge of heat stress and soaring air-conditioning demand. India has faced worsening heatwaves for decades, affecting health, productivity, and energy consumption.

For SSC aspirants, understanding initiatives like IHCAP Bhubaneswar is crucial as it highlights India’s proactive approach to climate adaptation and urban heat management, topics that frequently appear in current affairs sections.

Heat Stress and Urban Challenges in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar experiences long heat seasons from February to October, with nighttime temperatures increasing significantly. In 2024, the city recorded nearly 230 days of heat alerts. Urban growth has led to a reduction of vegetation by 10% and a decline of water bodies by 75% between 2018 and 2024. This intensifies the urban heat island effect, making Bhubaneswar 2–5°C hotter than surrounding rural areas.

The rising heat affects outdoor workers, reducing productivity by 20–30%. The city’s economy suffered, with annual income dropping by 8.6% due to heat stress. Additionally, air conditioning use doubled from 6% of households in 2021 to 15% in 2023, consuming one-third of electricity overall and two-thirds during peak summer.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for urban heat mitigation strategies and cooling solutions that protect public health and maintain productivity.

Projected Future: Rising Cooling Demand

Climate models predict that by 2050, cooling demand in Bhubaneswar could increase 7.6 times under business-as-usual scenarios. Without intervention, energy consumption and emissions will rise, worsening urban heat and health impacts.

This makes climate adaptation measures essential. Strategies to manage heatwaves and cooling demand in Bhubaneswar are now vital to ensure sustainable urban development and energy efficiency.

Core Strategies of IHCAP Bhubaneswar

The IHCAP Bhubaneswar is designed around five pillars that aim to reduce urban heat, lower energy consumption, and improve public health:

1. Cool the City

• This strategy focuses on increasing urban greenery, restoring water bodies, promoting cool roofs, and redesigning streets to reduce heat.

• Such measures can lower surface temperatures by 0.5–9.4°C and are key components of urban heat mitigation efforts.

2. Cool Buildings

• Enforcing energy-efficient codes and climate-responsive designs helps reduce heat absorption in buildings.

• Energy-efficient cooling initiatives ensure lower electricity demand, making urban living more comfortable and sustainable.

3. Sustainable Cooling for All

• The plan aims to provide affordable, efficient cooling options such as fans, energy-efficient air conditioners, district cooling, and white roofs for low-income households.

• These sustainable cooling initiatives in India highlight inclusivity and ensure that vulnerable populations benefit from modern cooling technology.

4. Enhance Heat Resilience

• IHCAP Bhubaneswar strengthens electricity, water, and health systems, builds cooling shelters, and creates public cooling spaces.

• These measures ensure cities are prepared for extreme heat events, improving resilience and urban safety.

5. Adapt to Heat

• Updating alert systems to include night-time heat and humidity, ensuring vulnerable workers, and running awareness campaigns are critical steps in helping citizens adapt to extreme heat.

• This pillar emphasizes urban planning solutions for heat stress and energy efficiency in Bhubaneswar.

Policy Integration and Scaling Up

IHCAP Bhubaneswar unifies India’s Cooling Action Plan and Heat Action Plan, which previously operated separately. This creates a holistic approach to urban heat and cooling challenges.

However, scaling up requires policy reforms. Current building codes cover only a small share of new constructions, and master plans lack heat mitigation strategies. Updating NDMA guidelines and city planning frameworks is essential to expand the impact of the Bhubaneswar Integrated Heat and Cooling Action Plan implementation.

With India’s urban population expected to reach 600–700 million by 2050, integrated heat management is vital for protecting public health, productivity, and social equity. How IHCAP Bhubaneswar reduces urban heat and electricity demand serves as a model for other Indian cities facing similar climate challenges.

Final Thoughts

The launch of IHCAP Bhubaneswar represents a significant step in addressing the challenges of rising urban heat and soaring cooling demand. By integrating strategies like urban greening, cool roofs, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable cooling solutions, the city aims to reduce surface temperatures and electricity consumption substantially.

Strengthening heat resilience through improved electricity, water, and health systems ensures citizens are better prepared for extreme heat events. The plan also emphasizes inclusive solutions, providing affordable cooling for vulnerable communities and promoting long-term climate adaptation.

By unifying existing policies and incorporating urban heat mitigation in Bin Hubaneswar, IHCAP serves as a model for other Indian cities facing similar challenges. With continued implementation and policy support, Bhubaneswar can achieve a sustainable and resilient urban environment, balancing human comfort, energy efficiency, and ecological preservation.