News: Extreme heat in Rajasthan, India: Georisks as a key factor in site selection in India
A climate-resilient location decision is not an ecological optional extra, but an operational necessity – for security of supply, investment protection and sustainable competitiveness.
Which Indian regions will be of interest to you as a European company
India is currently experiencing an exceptionally severe heatwave, which is particularly affecting the state of Rajasthan. In cities such as Barmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur, temperatures of up to 46.4 °C were measured in April 2025. These values are well above the seasonal average and in some cases break decades-old records.
Such extreme heatwaves are not uncommon in India, but are increasingly occurring earlier in the year and reaching higher intensities. Studies show that the probability of such extreme weather events has increased significantly due to global warming. Heat is just one of the geo-hazards we all have to learn to deal with.
Effects of heatwaves as an example of georisks
- In regions such as Rajasthan, where many people do not have access to air conditioning, the risk of heat-related health problems increases significantly. People who depend on wage labor outside enclosed spaces are particularly affected.
- Demand for air conditioning systems has risen considerably in recent years, with the resulting production and sales opportunities. However, the associated massive increase in energy requirements is leading to a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions, as around 70 percent of India’s electricity still comes from coal-fired power plants. Furthermore, the high demand for electricity at peak times and in urban centers with high population density can lead to overloading of the power grid and thus to power outages.
- Alternative methods such as passive cooling and the expansion of renewable energies are becoming increasingly important. India remains actively committed to its 2070 decarbonization target (“net zero emissions”) announced in 2021 at the COP26 global climate summit through numerous climate measures(source).What do these extreme weather events mean for you as a European company?
Periods of heat of the current intensity not only affect the health and quality of life of your workforce, but also increase the risk of supply bottlenecks, production losses and cost increases for cooling and infrastructure. This in turn has an impact on insurance premiums, financing conditions and ESG ratings of international investors. For you as a European company that is planning or has production or logistics sites in India, the question of climate-resilient regions is therefore becoming more of a focus.
Climatically preferred location alternatives in India
Which Indian region is the best choice of location for your company naturally depends on many factors[blog article location search] From a climate perspective, states with more moderate temperatures and better water and energy infrastructure – for example in southern or eastern India – could be strategically more advantageous in the future, especially for production.
- Bangalore (Karnataka)
– High altitude ensures a comparatively temperate climate
– Strong IT and technology base, good infrastructure
– Internationally networked, highly qualified workforce - Hyderabad (Telangana)
– Growing industrial and life sciences hub
– Advanced infrastructure, moderate climate
– Proactive government with investor-friendly policies - Pune (Maharashtra)
– Favorable climate due to high altitude
– Center for automotive industry and mechanical engineering
– Proximity to Mumbai for international connections - Kochi (Kerala)
– coastal location, tropical, but no extreme heat
– logistics hub with growing IT and trade infrastructure
– access to sea routes, sustainable focus of the state government - Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – with restrictions
– Strong industrial base, especially automotive and electronics
– Warmer climate, but more stable than the north; good water supply thanks to infrastructure projects
Municipal heat action plans
Not only the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), but also Indian municipalities in particular are increasingly concerned with the development and implementation of Heat Action Plans ( HAPs ) in order to be able to respond better to the increasing challenges posed by heat extremes.
Examples from Indian municipalities
- Ahmedabad: As a pioneering city, Ahmedabad introduced a heat protection plan back in 2013 after the city suffered hundreds of deaths during an extreme heatwave in 2010. The current plan includes four main strategies: public awareness, early warning systems, training of health workers and measures to reduce heat stress. Innovative approaches such as the use of smartwatches to monitor the health of residents in particularly vulnerable neighborhoods are being tested.
- Jodhpur: The city has developed its first heat protection plan, which includes a detailed analysis of local vulnerability. By mapping risk areas, targeted measures such as the establishment of cooling centers and the installation of reflective roofs can be implemented in particularly affected districts.
- Kerala: The state has issued comprehensive guidelines for local self-government bodies to promote heat resilient communities. Short-term measures include setting up cooling centers and providing drinking water, while long-term strategies include developing green spaces and promoting heat-reducing construction methods.
- Nagpur region: In Maharashtra, a regional approach was taken in which Nagpur and four neighboring cities jointly developed a heat protection plan. This plan sets thresholds for heat warnings and identifies particularly vulnerable population groups such as children and the elderly.
- Chandrapur: The city has introduced measures such as providing drinking water in public places, setting up shelter tents and greening markets. Long-term strategies include urban planning to reduce heat vulnerability through afforestation and rainwater harvesting.
Conclusion:
The recent weather extremes in Rajasthan are a wake-up call.
In addition to extreme heat, water shortages, flooding and extreme weather events such as cyclones are among the growing geo-risks that need to be taken into account when choosing a location in India.
A future-proof India strategy requires a sound assessment of climatic location risks – not only from an ecological but also from a business perspective.
We have been developing sustainable business prospects for India for more than 20 years. Risk prevention is our daily business. Feel free to contact us without obligation and ask us your questions. We look forward to seeing you.
