Heatwave

Syllabus: Disaster Management

Source:  NIE

 Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast 10–12 heatwave days in northwest India this summer, nearly double the usual average of 5–6 days.

• A recent study found that many Indian cities lack long-term strategies in their Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to address rising heat stress.

About Heatwaves:

• Temperature Threshold: Heatwaves occur when temperatures cross 40°C in plains or 30°C in hills, persisting for ≥2 days.
• Geographic Hotspots: Northwest India (Rajasthan, Delhi) faces highest frequency due to arid climate and urbanization.
• Humidity Impact: Coastal areas face “wet bulb” threats where high humidity makes 35°C feel like 50°C.
• Climate Change Link: Rising global temperatures and El Niño events intensify heatwave frequency/duration.
• Urban Heat Islands: Concrete-dominated cities are 4-5°C hotter than rural areas due to heat absorption.

Effects of Heatwaves:

• On People:

• • Heatstroke & Dehydration: Can cause fainting, organ failure, and even death.
    E.g. 733 heatstroke deaths were reported across 17 states in 2024 (HeatWatch).
  • Mental Health Stress: Sleep disturbances and heat anxiety increase during extreme heat spells.
  • Reduced Work Productivity: Affects daily wage workers, especially in agriculture and construction.

• On Ecology:

• • Water Stress: Increased evaporation leads to dry rivers and lakes.
  • Forest Fires: Drought-like conditions promote the spread of wildfires, especially in central India.
  • Crop Failure: Heatwaves during flowering stages harm wheat, pulses, and vegetables.

• On Wildlife:
  • Mass Bird Deaths: Birds die due to dehydration and heat stress (e.g., 100+ birds died in Gujarat, 2023).

• • Aquatic Mortality: Fish kills occur due to oxygen depletion in warm water bodies.
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict: Animals enter cities in search of shade and water.

Loopholes and Challenges:

• Lack of Long-Term Strategies: Most HAPs focus on emergency response, not resilience building.

E.g. The SFC study found no long-term cooling or insurance initiatives in 9 major cities.

• Poor Implementation: Even well-drafted plans fail in execution due to poor inter-agency coordination.
• Urban Planning Gaps: Lack of green spaces, poor building design, and inadequate ventilation.
• Insufficient Data Tracking: Underreporting of heat-related deaths distorts real impact (e.g., 2024 NDMA vs HeatWatch gap).
• Limited Budget Allocation: No dedicated funding lines for HAPs in many municipalities.

Way Forward:

• Integrate HAPs into Master Plans: Make heat resilience part of city development frameworks.
• Expand Green Infrastructure: Promote urban forests, reflective rooftops, and water conservation systems.
• Strengthen Data Systems: Create a unified national database for heatwave mortality and hospitalizations.
• Community Awareness Programs: Launch heat literacy drives and targeted awareness campaigns.
• Climate-Smart Infrastructure: Retrofit buildings with passive cooling, improve electricity access and backup systems.

Conclusion:

The rise in heatwave frequency is a stark warning of the climate crisis unfolding in India. Without robust long-term planning, vulnerable populations will bear the brunt of this avoidable public health emergency. A proactive, inclusive, and science-based approach is the only sustainable solution.

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