Maharashtra Chief Secretary Advocates Multi-Stakeholder Approach for Heatwave 2025 Preparedness

Maharashtra Gears Up for Heatwave 2025: Chief Secretary Calls for Collaborative Action on Heat Stress Mitigation

Mumbai, February 15, 2025 – In an effort to enhance preparedness and resilience against rising temperatures, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Ms. Sujata Saunik, addressed the International Workshop on Heatwaves 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder approach to heat stress mitigation.

Ms. Saunik, as the Chief Guest at the event, discussed the preparedness strategies for tackling Heatwave 2025 in Maharashtra and highlighted solutions aimed at reducing the impact of extreme heat. With climate change exacerbating heatwave conditions in India, particularly in urban and rural areas of Maharashtra, the discussion focused on adaptive and preventive measures.

Key Highlights from the Address:

1. Heatwave Preparedness Strategies – Ms. Saunik outlined the state’s preparedness measures, including early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced emergency response mechanisms to tackle extreme heat conditions in the upcoming summer months.
2. Heat Stress Mitigation Solutions – She emphasized the importance of urban heat management, improved green cover, water conservation strategies, and public health interventions to minimize heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
3. Multi-Stakeholder Approach – The Chief Secretary stressed the need for collaboration among government agencies, local municipalities, healthcare institutions, private sector organizations, and civil society groups to strengthen heat management capabilities.
4. Indicators of Heat Resilience Framework – Ms. Saunik highlighted the key indicators of heat resilience, including the development of heat action plans, improved healthcare readiness, and the integration of climate-resilient infrastructure.

Call for National Capacity Building in Heat Management

During her address, Ms. Saunik proposed the establishment of a national capacity-building framework for heat management. She emphasized the need for inter-state cooperation, knowledge sharing, and policy interventions to ensure India is well-equipped to combat extreme heat conditions in the future.

The International Workshop on Heatwaves 2025 brought together climate experts, policymakers, urban planners, and public health officials to discuss innovative solutions for tackling rising temperatures. The event underscored the importance of collective action in ensuring communities are protected from the adverse effects of extreme heat.

With the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, Maharashtra’s proactive approach, under the leadership of Ms. Sujata Saunik, sets a benchmark for other states in India to strengthen their heat resilience frameworks and safeguard public health.