HAPless In Heat – As extreme summer temperatures hit many parts of India, are govts thinking of vulnerable groups?

Source: The post is based on the article “HAPless In Heat – As extreme summer temperatures hit many parts of India, are govts thinking of vulnerable groups?” published in The Times of India on 21st April 2023.

Syllabus: GS-3: Disaster Management.

Relevance: About the impact of heatwaves.

News: Heatwaves have forced schools to close in parts of Meghalaya and Tripura. Indian Meteorological Department has also issued warning to nine states facing heatwaves simultaneously.

What are heat waves?

How can heat waves be fatal?

About heatwaves in India

Heatwaves have become India’s new normal – longer, more frequent, and deadlier. A Lancet study last year reported a 55% increase in heat-related deaths over 17 years in India. Among age group of 65 years, heat-related deaths increased from 20,000 in 2000-2004 to 31,000 in 2017-2021.

A Climate Transparency report found India lost 5.4% of its GDP to heatwaves in 2021, the highest among G20 nations. Another report found that 66% of India’s workers are exposed to heat in their open-air jobs. These workers range from airports’ outdoor staff to miners and construction workers.

What are the challenges in mitigating heat waves?

a) India’s Heat action plans (HAPs) had not identified vulnerable groups and were designed for dry heat without considering local humidity levels, b) India barely records heat-related deaths, c) There is scant public awareness on dealing with wet bulb conditions.

What should be done?

HAPs must be integral to city planning. India should also encourage reducing/rescheduling work hours, allowing natural shade, and creating shelters at work sites.