As extreme weather events escalate across India’s Himalayan towns, questions loom over disaster preparedness, local planning, and community resilience. Nagrika's research highlights gaps in awareness, strained infrastructure, and the urgent need to bring together traditional knowledge with new-age solutions. Amid rising risks, are Himalayan towns truly ready to face the storms ahead?

With heavy rainfall alerts rising in the Himalayas, fragile geographies, inadequate planning, and climate extremes are exposing deep vulnerabilities. Amid official efforts and emerging citizen initiatives, questions remain about whether hill towns are truly better prepared? Or are they still caught in a cycle of risk and recovery?

As extreme rainfall turns cities into flood zones, warning systems need urgent attention. India’s forecast models are evolving. But are they enough? From high-tech alerts to citizen-led vigilance, the shift towards impact-based and community-driven solutions may be key to flood resilience. Some cities are already testing the waters. Aerial view of the flood-affected area in Silchar, Assam | Source: Frontline the Hindu

When Cyclone Biparjoy struck Gujarat in June 2023, the state’s preparedness plan proved vital in minimising damage and saving lives. Despite its strength, the early warning system, evacuations, and coordinated rescue efforts from local agencies made a significant difference. As cyclones become more frequent, is your city prepared to handle such a disaster? What lessons can be learned from Gujarat’s example to improve disaster resilience?

As the monsoon season approaches, cities across India are stepping up their preparedness - from drain clean-ups to emergency drills. While efforts focus on avoiding waterlogging and ensuring safety, experts suggest a shift towards more sustainable, climate-resilient planning. Can cities move beyond infrastructure fixes to embrace holistic solutions that address both immediate and long-term challenges?

India’s forests are burning at an alarming rate. With tens of thousands of fire incidents reported in Odisha and Goa alone, the impact is spreading through ecosystems, displacing and endangering wildlife, and threatening local economies. While state and city-level policies attempt to tackle the blaze, limited resources and strained trust complicate the response. Will current measures be enough to withstand the mounting ecological cost of these recurring fires?

A small town on shaky ground—Joshimath is sinking, and its residents are caught in a nightmare. Despite early warnings dating back decades, cracks now split homes apart, forcing evacuations and sparking protests. Locals blame unchecked construction, ignored reports, and the burden of rapid urbanisation. As authorities scramble to respond, the question looms: can Joshimath be saved, or is it too late to turn the tide?

India recorded its hottest March in history this year, with extreme heat events claiming more lives each year. In response, cities like Ahmedabad have pioneered Heat Action Plans (HAPs) that have significantly reduced fatalities. These plans, tailored to local needs, aim to prevent heat-related deaths, with strategies ranging from early warnings to cool roof initiatives. Is your city prepared for the heat, or is it still waiting for action?