Rising heatwaves in India

Source: The post rising heatwaves in India has been created, based on the article “The heat is on-Substantive, practical adaptation policies can help” published in “Business standard” on 21st May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic:

GS Paper 3 – Environment – Climate Change

GS Paper 1- Geography – Important Geophysical phenomena such as Heatwaves.

Context: The article discusses the rising heatwaves in India, which pose a threat to public health and productivity. It notes increasing heatwave days and expanding affected areas. The government has responded by setting guidelines and promoting night work to reduce heat-related issues.

For detailed information on heatwaves in India read Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

What is the current situation with heatwaves in India?

The number of heatwave days has increased, from 74 days in 2009 to 32.2 days in 2020.

The number of affected states has increased from nine states to 23 states during 2009 to 2020.

How has the workforce been affected?

Workforce Impact: Approximately 75% of the workforce is engaged in heat-exposed labor, mainly in agriculture and construction.

Projected Job Losses: A World Bank study suggests that by 2030, India could account for nearly 43% of global job losses due to productivity declines from heat stress.

What actions have been taken by the government?

National Guidelines Established: After more than 2,000 deaths in 2015, the government drafted national guidelines for managing heatwaves, providing a framework for states.

Heatwave Action Plans: These guidelines helped states develop specific action plans tailored to their needs.

Heatwave Warnings: The India Meteorological Department regularly issues heatwave warnings to keep the public informed.

Work Hour Adjustments: Employers have shifted work hours to cooler nighttime periods to protect workers, particularly in agriculture.

Decrease in Heatwave Deaths: These measures have led to a significant reduction in heatwave-related deaths, from 2,040 in 2015 to just 27 in 2020.

What should be done?

Enhance Water Conservation: Implement mandatory water harvesting in high rises, especially in water-scarce cities like Bengaluru, to tackle imminent water crises.

Change Agricultural Incentives: Shift incentives from water-intensive crops like sugarcane and rice to water-efficient grains like millets, which also improve public health.

Increase Green Cover: Plant more trees in public spaces, following models from cities like Dubai and Singapore.

Adapt Architectural Standards: Establish standards that reduce reliance on air conditioning.

Accelerate Renewable Energy: Speed up the adoption of battery storage to boost renewable energy usage and decrease dependence on coal-fired plants.

Question for practice:

Discuss the measures taken by the Indian government to address the rising threat of heatwaves, and the impact of these measures on reducing heatwave.