Sheltering the homeless as the temperature drops

This winter has been excessively cold for India with a sharper drop in temperatures across several parts of India than previous years, resulting in more frequent cold waves. This has spelt misery for many Indians living without adequate shelter or resources to withstand the cold.

- Somya Jain

The management of cold waves relies on a coordinated effort between the Union and state governments.

While Union government departments issue guidelines, circulars, and advisories, and allocate funds for disaster response and mitigation (including cold waves), state governments are primarily responsible for implementing these measures on the ground, along with their own initiatives. India also has a dedicated framework for cold wave management: The National Guidelines for Preparation of Action Plans for the Prevention and Management of Cold Waves and Frost 2021 (NDMA Guidelines), issued by the National Disaster Management Authority.