18 Indian states have a heat action plan (HAP) in place, but the 100 heatwave-related deaths in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the past five days demonstrate that some plans are not being implemented. Only some HAPs acknowledge parameters such as the heat index value, urban heat island effect and UV index, whilst few assess vulnerability at a localised level, leading to a ?high risk of misdirected efforts?, according to the Centre for Policy Research. Among the most vulnerable populations are those exposed to high humidity levels, whilst coordination between agencies responsible for implementing HAPs is often patchy. | Latest News India