Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on addressing climate risks in Panaji. This strategic partnership aims to develop a Heat Action Plan (HAP) to build resilience against the rising threats of extreme heat events, which are becoming more frequent in Goa due to climate change.
Recent data from the Goa State Disaster Management Authority and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals a significant increase in Goa’s temperature anomalies over the past century. From 1901 to 2022, the state’s average temperature has risen by 1.44°C per 100 years, and projections indicate a further increase of 2°C by the 2030s. In response, the Goa State Heat Action Plan (GS-HAP) was launched in 2024 to mitigate the growing impacts of extreme heat on the state’s population.
While the GS-HAP includes measures such as early warning systems, public awareness campaigns and urban planning for heat-resilient infrastructure, there is an urgent need to localize these efforts for Panaji. The HAP for Panaji will be specifically tailored to the city’s unique climate challenges, focusing on protecting vulnerable populations such as outdoor workers, the elderly and residents in slum areas.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE COLLABORATION:
• Development of a comprehensive Heat Action Plan (HAP) for Panaji.
• Mapping heat risks at the ward level, with a focus on heat stress and early warning systems.
• Creation of a heat index for Panaji, integrating both temperature and humidity data.
• Establishment of localized heat thresholds for more effective early warnings.
• Stakeholder engagement in heat risk mitigation, response and relief efforts.
• Recommendations on mitigation measures and technical assistance for implementation.
“With Goa experiencing an alarming rise in temperatures, it is critical to implement a robust Heat Action Plan to protect our communities,” said a senior official from IPSCDL. He added, “Our collaboration with CEEW is a significant step towards building Panaji’s resilience to extreme heat and other climate risks.”
CEEW, one of Asia’s leading policy research institutions, has been instrumental in developing climate resilience plans for cities across India, including the first-of-its-kind Thane City Heat Action Plan. This partnership will leverage CEEW’s expertise in research, data analysis, and policy advisory to create a Heat Action Plan for Panaji that aligns with the city’s broader climate resilience and sustainable development goals.
“Our work with IPSCDL aligns with our ongoing efforts to support climate resilience across Indian cities. The Heat Action Plan for Panaji will be a model for other cities facing similar challenges,” said a CEEW official.
The MoU outlines the roles of both IPSCDL and CEEW, with CEEW leading research and policy advisory while IPSCDL facilitates stakeholder engagement and the implementation of the HAP. Both organizations will collaborate on public outreach efforts, ensuring that knowledge products are co-branded and accessible to the public.
By integrating early warning systems, targeted interventions, and urban cooling strategies, this partnership aims to protect Panaji’s most vulnerable populations and enhance the city’s climate resilience amid rising temperatures and climate risks, stated a press release.
