[Answered] Analyze the socio-economic and environmental impacts of rising heatwaves in India. Evaluate the effectiveness of people-centric and multi-sectoral interventions, coupled with science-based innovations, in mitigating their adverse consequences.

Introduction

India is increasingly experiencing extreme heat events due to climate change. According to IMD, 2024 witnessed the hottest March in 122 years. Heatwaves—defined as prolonged periods of excessively hot weather—pose significant socio-economic and environmental risks, especially in densely populated and vulnerable regions.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Heatwaves

1. Health Burden: Rise in heatstroke, dehydration, cardiovascular stress. Lancet Countdown 2021, India saw a 55% increase in heat-related deaths in the elderly between 2000 and 2018. Urban poor, outdoor workers (construction, sanitation), and elderly are worst affected.
2. Livelihood Disruptions: Agriculture, heat stress reduces crop yield and causes soil moisture loss. Example: Wheat yields fell ~10% in 2022 due to early heatwaves. Informal Sector, reduced working hours, lower daily wages and productivity. ILO (2019), India may lose 5.8% of working hours by 2030 due to heat.
3. Energy Demand Surge: Increased use of air-conditioning raises electricity demand, leading to power outages and increased fossil fuel use. As per IEA Cooling demand in India is expected to rise 8-fold by 2050.

Environmental Impacts

1. Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect: Built-up areas trap heat, exacerbating temperature rise in cities. Example: Bengaluru’s surface temperature rose 5°C between 1992 and 2022.
2. Water Scarcity: Heatwaves exacerbate groundwater depletion and drying of reservoirs.
3. Biodiversity Stress: Ecosystem imbalances due to species migration and mortality.

Effectiveness of People-Centric and Multi-Sectoral Interventions

1. Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Implemented in 23 states. Example: Ahmedabad HAP (2013) reduced heat-related deaths by 61%. Gaps: Most plans lack funding, are not district-specific, and don’t address rural areas effectively.
2. Science-Based Innovations: Early Warning Systems: IMD and NDMA issue heat alerts. Cool Roof Initiatives: Reflective paint reduces indoor temperatures by 2-5°C. Climate-Resilient Urban Planning: Tree cover, water bodies, and ventilation corridors.
3. Equity-Focused Measures: Targeting vulnerable populations—street vendors, elderly, women. Provision of shaded shelters, hydration stations, and flexible work hours.

Conclusion

Heatwaves are no longer seasonal anomalies but structural threats. A paradigm shift towards climate-resilient infrastructure, real-time data-based governance, and inclusive planning is vital. Integrating local communities into decision-making, leveraging scientific tools, and securing long-term funding for Heat Action Plans will be key to building thermal resilience across India.