Urban heatscapes: How is Ahmedabad adapting to urban heat?

Ahmedabad, the largest city of Gujarat and once known as the ‘Manchester of the East’ for its booming textile industry, is now facing a new challenge: 95 per cent of its urban area is grappling with severe heat stress. The brunt of this falls heavily on the city’s informal artisans, particularly women, who often work from tin-sheet homes and endure scorching commutes.

But Ahmedabad is no stranger to intense heat. For decades, Amdavadis have developed ingenious ways to adapt to their local microclimate. From the centuries-old, sustainably designed Pols (streets of the walled city) that showcase timeless architectural solutions, to modern innovations like ‘cool bus stops’, the city is constantly evolving its strategies.

Discover the groundbreaking heat insurance being piloted for those with no escape from the sun. Witness how Ahmedabad continues to pioneer solutions, including launching India’s first Heat Action Plan, setting a powerful benchmark for urban resilience.