The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is ramping up efforts to combat extreme heat through the development of tailored Heat Action Plans at state, district, and city levels across India. NDMA's Head of Department, Krishna Vatsa, emphasized that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective, as each region has unique challenges. Currently, around 300 plans have been implemented, with an additional 100 in development, focusing on measures such as providing water, increasing vegetation, and establishing cooling shelters. The NDMA is particularly concerned about vulnerable populations, including outdoor workers who face income losses due to heat-related adjustments in their working hours. To address this, discussions on parametric insurance are being explored, which would provide financial support based on temperature thresholds. Additionally, Vatsa noted that the mortality rates associated with heatwaves have decreased over the past five years, attributed to improved training and directives issued by health authorities. The Global Heat and Cooling Forum 2026, held in New Delhi, brought together various stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions for extreme heat.