The Madhya Pradesh government submitted its response to the NGT to address rising temperatures and heatwaves in the city.
The disclosure came after it took a note of a report claiming that rising temperatures affecting people’s health, learning and productivity, and thereby the economy. It says to have Undertaken various steps including prepping preparing action plans for four major cities.
NGT Takes Suo Motu Case
The NGT in the end of May registered a suo motu case following the news report and issued notices to several central ministries, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, directing them to file their respective replies and action plans on the matter.
Heat Action Plans For Four Major Cities
In its recent reply submitted to the NGT, the Madhya Pradesh government informed about initiatives taken by various departments to tackle the issues of intense heat affecting livelihoods, lives and productivity.
The state said that its Environment Department through its expert body, the Environmental Planning and Coordination Organization, has prepared heat action plans for four major cities: Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior.
These measures are to be implemented by the concerned authorities to address issues related to rising heat in their respective cities.
It also mentioned that the heat action plans also propose strengthening early warning systems, inter-agency coordination and public awareness, protecting vulnerable groups through cooling centers, shaded spaces, water access and health preparedness, and advancing urban cooling through green infrastructure, ecosystem conservation and climate-responsive buildings, including cool roofs and heat-resilient regulations.
Infrastructure and mobility planning should integrate shaded corridors, permeable surfaces and responsive public spaces, while occupational safety protocols should safeguard outdoor workers.
The side said sustained resilience depends on climate fencing, regulatory support and cross-sectoral coordination, reinforced by data-driven platforms using geospatial mapping and monitoring to guide interventions and track outcomes.
Namo Harit Nagar Yojana
Referring to the state’s Urban Department, the government has also implemented the Namo Harit Nagar Yojna under the scheme, urban forests will be created through plantation.
Catch The Rain Campaign
Mentioning Catch the Rain campaign run by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under Jal Shakti Jal Bhagidari, which calls upon people to collect rainwater, an initiative which helps conserve water, recharge groundwater and prevent floods.
It further said that the Urban Administration and Development Department has asked all urban local bodies to organise Catch the Rain campaigns across cities and towns, focusing on extensive public outreach and citizen engagement.
Measures For Farmers During Heatwaves
Citing the Directorate of Agricultural Engineering, it said measures had to be taken to protect the farmers during heatwaves through advisories, farmers were alerted about the temperatures, asked to avoid working in the fields during the afternoon, stay hydrated and adopt preventive measures.
Ek Ped Ek Maake Naam Campaign
It has said that mentioning the Ek Ped Ek Maake Naam campaign, the state government has said significant progress is being achieved across the region.
As of August 17, a total of 3,57,16,296 saplings have been planted across 55 districts at 12,89,8 locations against the state’s target of 7.50 crore saplings during 2026-2027.