Reasons and their impacts for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities

Source: The post reasons and their impacts for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities has been created, based on the article “A critical message for the urban elite” published in “The Hindu” on 14th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Context: The article discusses how poor urban planning and the urban heat island effect are worsening heatwaves in Indian cities. Technology and privilege insulate the elite, making them ignore these problems, which disproportionately affect marginalized workers, worsening urban inequality.

For detailed information on Heatwaves in India read this article here

What are the reasons for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities?

1. Urban Heat Island Effect: Indian cities, such as Delhi, are experiencing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where urban regions become significantly warmer than their rural counterparts due to human activities. This effect is intensified by the presence of heat-absorbing materials like concrete, asphalt, and glass. Examples include cities like Delhi experiencing temperatures above 50°C.

For detailed information on Urban heat island read this article here

2. Poor Urban Planning: Cities with poor urban planning, such as Gurugram, are notable for their modern glass buildings which, while aesthetically pleasing, trap more heat and contribute to higher local temperatures.
3. Reduced Green Cover: The lack of adequate green spaces in urban areas exacerbates the heat retention, adding to the discomfort and increasing temperatures experienced during heatwaves.

What are the impacts of the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities?

1. Increased Mortality: The official toll counts over 200 lives lost to heatwaves, but the actual number is likely higher, indicating a severe health crisis.
2. Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Communities: Marginalized groups such as delivery workers, auto drivers, and construction workers suffer the most. They work in extreme conditions with inadequate shelter and hydration, directly exposing them to the risks associated with severe heatwaves.
3. Decreased Outdoor Activity: The intense heat reduces outdoor activities, impacting livelihoods like those of street vendors whose earnings decline with reduced foot traffic.

What needs to be done?

1. Encourage public engagement: The privileged, insulated by technology, need to advocate for better public services. For example, flooding in Delhi’s elite areas prompted quick government action, showing how pressure from the elite can drive change.
2. Reduce reliance on technology: Technology-driven isolation, like app-based deliveries, is reducing outdoor engagement. The elite should step outside this comfort trap and reconnect with public spaces to push for more livable cities.

Question for practice:

Examine how poor urban planning and the Urban Heat Island effect are contributing to the worsening of heatwaves in Indian cities, and how these factors disproportionately affect marginalized communities.