Climate change is no longer a distant
threat; it is scorching India in real-time. The steady rise in temperatures and
the increasing intensity of heat waves have made it clear that the country is
unprepared for the climate crisis. Despite repeated warnings from the India
Meteorological Department (IMD), policymakers remain trapped in a cycle of
short-term, emergency responses rather than implementing long-term resilience
strategies.
For over a decade, global warming’s
impact on Indian summers has been undeniable. Heat waves now extend beyond
northern, central, and eastern India, affecting regions like the Konkan coast
and Karnataka as early as February. The IMD’s forecast of above-normal
temperatures from April to June and prolonged heat waves lasting more than ten
days are alarming. In 2023, several parts of the country endured extreme heat
for over two weeks—an unprecedented development. Yet, despite mounting
evidence, policy responses have remained woefully inadequate.
The health impact of extreme heat is
under-researched, with mortality data varying across agencies such as the IMD,
National Disaster Management Agency, and National Crime Records Bureau.
However, experts agree on the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations, particularly
daily wage laborers, the elderly, and slum dwellers. While most states have
heat action plans, these primarily focus on crisis management—distributing
drinking water, creating temporary shelters, and adjusting work schedules.
These measures, though necessary, fail to address the structural
vulnerabilities that expose millions to lethal temperatures.
A study by the Sustainable Futures
Collaborative and top global universities underscores the need for systemic
reforms. Expanding fire management services, ensuring insurance coverage for
lost work, retrofitting electricity grids to withstand heat stress, and
providing affordable cooling solutions are essential. Without these, heat waves
will continue to devastate livelihoods and strain public health systems.
Another crucial yet overlooked aspect
is urban heat islands—densely built city enclaves where temperatures soar due
to poor ventilation and lack of green spaces. The tragic sunstroke deaths in
Navi Mumbai in 2022 highlighted the need to factor in humidity while issuing
heat alerts. The disparity in temperatures within Mumbai—where densely built
Vasai and Ghatkopar recorded temperatures 13 degrees Celsius higher than the
relatively greener Powai—shows the dire need for sustainable urban planning.
The IMD’s warnings must serve as a
wake-up call. Policymakers must move beyond temporary fixes and commit to
heat-proofing cities through reflective infrastructure, tree cover expansion,
and improved ventilation in densely populated areas. The energy grid must be
upgraded to support increased cooling demands, and comprehensive data
collection on heat-related mortality is critical for formulating effective
policies. India is already in the grip of a climate emergency—the only question
is whether its leaders will act before it becomes an irreversible catastrophe.
