A relentless heatwave is sweeping across northwest and central India, the western Himalayan region, and Maharashtra. On Tuesday, temperatures soared past 50°C in Sirsa, Haryana, and Churu, Rajasthan. The majority of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR are enduring daytime highs exceeding 45°C.
Hospitals across several states are witnessing an increase in heat-related illnesses, and some regions have even reported fatalities due to heatstroke. The situation drew widespread attention when film star Shah Rukh Khan was hospitalized in Ahmedabad after falling ill from the heat, sparking conversations on social media. Beyond the clear health hazards, the extreme heat is also starting to impact workforce productivity across various sectors, consequently harming the economy. Thus, simply advising people to stay indoors and hydrated is insufficient. A thorough policy response to the heat is urgently needed, but currently missing.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) deserves recognition for its effective heat-related forecasts and warnings. On March 1, it released a seasonal temperature outlook for March to May, predicting above-normal temperatures for much of the country. This outlook was updated on April 1, providing more detailed predictions for regions likely to experience high temperatures through June. The IMD warned that extended periods of extreme heat could lead to dehydration and put stress on infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems, emphasizing the need for proactive measures by authorities. Similarly, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which oversees the National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health, issued a heatwave advisory to state health departments, contributing to the efforts to manage the crisis.
The NCDC advisory included a section titled ‘Heat-related illnesses (HRI) — focused mass gathering/sporting event preparedness.’ This summer coincided with two significant nationwide events: the Indian Premier League (IPL), which ran from March 22 to May 26, and the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections from April 19 to June 1. Regions experiencing extreme heat saw lower-than-expected voter turnout, and some candidates even fainted on the campaign trail due to the intense heat. Although most IPL matches were scheduled for the evening, fans typically began arriving at stadiums in the afternoon when temperatures were at their highest, and players held their practice sessions during the hottest part of the day.
Similar to the advisories for mass gatherings, cities are required to create and execute heat action plans. These plans should aim to raise awareness about the health risks associated with heatwaves and prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses by preparing the healthcare system to manage these conditions. Coordination among all relevant government agencies is essential to inform the public about forecasted extreme temperatures and to implement strategies that minimize heat exposure and encourage adaptive behaviors. This includes developing shaded areas and shelters, as well as adjusting the working hours of those performing outdoor physical labor to avoid the peak heat of the day.
Despite the central government’s directive for heat action plans, many cities and states have yet to develop them. This is similar to the situation with guidelines on mass gatherings. However, evidence shows that the heat action plan implemented in Ahmedabad since 2013 has successfully reduced mortality associated with extreme heat. Telangana and Odisha have also created heat action plans, but the effectiveness of these plans largely depends on their implementation.
It has become clear that city warming is influenced by local factors like population density, the prevalence of concrete structures, and the amount of tree cover. For years, scientists have discussed the ‘urban heat island’ effect, which explains why certain areas of a city experience more intense heat than their surroundings. These heat islands form due to various factors such as a lack of vegetation and water bodies, local industrial activities, dense infrastructure that traps heat and limits airflow, and the release of hot air from extensive air conditioning systems. In Delhi, for example, the night temperatures in areas like Sitaram Bazar, Connaught Place, and Bhikaji Cama Place are significantly higher than in neighboring regions, turning them into heat islands.
A recent study conducted by researchers at IIT-Bhubaneswar, analyzing data from 141 Indian cities, found that urban areas are warming at nearly twice the rate of the overall Indian landmass. This trend is especially noticeable in cities in the northwestern, northeastern, and southern regions, where night-time land surface temperatures have risen more sharply compared to other parts of the country. Previous research from IIT-Gandhinagar had already cautioned that the urban heat island effect, fueled by rapid urbanization, could exacerbate extreme heat conditions in Indian cities.
There is ample evidence for government agencies to take action against the effects of heat. With night-time heating becoming more severe during heatwaves, strategies like passive cooling—including ventilation, shading, insulation, and reflective surfaces—should be implemented to lower indoor temperatures. Building codes should encourage the use of materials that absorb less heat and are sustainable to minimize heating from stored heat. Additionally, water bodies and vegetation can help reduce extra night-time heating. Heat action plans recommend installing 'cool roofs' on low-income houses to keep indoor temperatures down.
Public policies are essential to foster coordinated efforts in designing and implementing heat adaptation strategies. These policies must span multiple sectors, including health, urban planning, environment, transport, education, labor, infrastructure, construction, and finance. To ensure effective implementation, municipal corporations and local bodies should receive both technical and financial support. Engaging the scientific community, local communities, and civil society is crucial. Viewing extreme heat as solely the responsibility of the IMD or the health sector is insufficient and will not address the issue effectively.
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