As India grapples with prolonged heatwaves, a delayed monsoon and worsening water shortages, experts say the country must move beyond emergency responses and invest in long term climate resilience. Singapore, a densely populated tropical nation that has spent decades adapting to extreme heat and humidity, is increasingly being viewed as a model for managing rising temperatures through urban planning, efficient cooling systems and large scale greening.
The effects of the changing climate are already visible across India. In Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district, where temperatures reached record highs earlier this summer, the Ken River has begun drying up. The receding river has exposed fertile alluvial soil, prompting farmers to cultivate vegetables directly on the riverbed. Many are using portable pumps to draw water from the remaining channels for irrigation, turning the shrinking river into a temporary source of livelihood.
Although riverbed farming is helping farmers earn an income, it also highlights the worsening water crisis in the Bundelkhand region. Known for frequent droughts, Bundelkhand has struggled for years with erratic rainfall, declining groundwater levels and recurring water shortages that continue to threaten agriculture and rural communities.
Monsoon Delay and Urban Challenges Deepen Climate Concerns
The delayed southwest monsoon has added to the country’s challenges. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) says the monsoon is advancing into more parts of northern India, widespread rainfall has yet to arrive. Meteorologists explain that the advance of the monsoon refers to the movement of monsoon winds, not necessarily continuous rainfall. Without strong low-pressure systems developing over the Bay of Bengal, large parts of North India remain under intense heat.
The impact is also being felt in urban areas. In Delhi, authorities have removed more than 30 lakh metric tonnes of silt from drains ahead of the monsoon to reduce flooding. However, officials now face a new environmental challenge disposing of the huge quantity of contaminated silt, much of which is mixed with municipal waste. With traditional dumping sites reaching capacity, the government is exploring scientific methods such as bioremediation, bio-mining and safe reuse of the material.
Singapore’s Climate Adaptation Model Offers Practical Solutions
Singapore’s approach to managing heat is drawing global attention. Often referred to as an “AC Nation,” the city-state combines widespread access to air conditioning with strict energy efficiency standards. Government buildings are required to keep air conditioners at 25°C or above under the “Go 25” campaign, helping reduce electricity consumption while maintaining comfort. District cooling systems further improve efficiency by supplying chilled water to multiple buildings through centralised networks.
The country also promotes hybrid cooling by encouraging the use of ceiling fans alongside air conditioning. Research has shown that increasing air-conditioner settings while using fans can reduce energy consumption by around one-third without affecting comfort.
Another key part of Singapore’s strategy is urban greening. Extensive tree planting, rooftop gardens, vertical greenery and the Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High Rises (LUSH) programme have helped reduce the urban heat island effect. Reflective roof coatings, shaded walkways, wind corridors and climate sensitive urban design further improve outdoor comfort.
Experts believe India could adopt many of these measures through initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Expanding urban forests, promoting cool roofs, improving energy efficient cooling and incorporating climate-sensitive planning into city development could significantly reduce heat stress particularly in densely populated urban areas.
With climate change expected to make heatwaves, delayed monsoons and water shortages more frequent, the experiences of Banda, Delhi and Singapore underline the growing need for long-term adaptation strategies. Investing in sustainable infrastructure, efficient cooling technologies, water conservation and nature based solutions will be essential to protecting communities from the increasing impacts of extreme weather.