As India experiences increasing temperatures and rises to over 40 degrees in some areas, the nation’s authorities are preparing for heatwaves that pose a risk of fatalities. This year, India experienced its hottest February in 122 years and is expected to face heatwaves between March and May. Climate scientists warn that human body temperatures could exceed the “wet bulb” threshold of 35°C, causing a surge in fatalities in India.
Concerns Over High Temperatures and Increased Risk of Fatalities
Climate scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about the temperature rise in India and the risks involved. Northern India often exceeds temperatures of 40°C, with some areas reaching above 50°C. Experts predict that if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, climate change will lead to temperatures exceeding the critical wet bulb threshold in the Ganga and Indus river basins.
Between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021, there has been a 55% increase in fatalities due to exceeding wet bulb thresholds. Wet bulb temperature occurs when the surrounding air cannot absorb perspiration or cool down body temperature due to humidity. In India, high humidity levels make sweating less efficient, increasing the risk of fatalities among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, farmers and construction workers.
Heat Action Plans Lack Adequate Funding
India has made significant progress with heat action plans (HAPs) designed specifically to tackle heat waves. However, the HAPs focus mainly on dry extreme heat in 37 different areas, which may not consider risks due to humid conditions such as hot nights or duration of continuous heat.
Moreover, only two HAPs primarily target vulnerable groups without adequate funds for capacity building and transparency. The research ecosystem also requires investment with a lack of national repository of HAPs with information on frequency updates.
However, the Centre for Policy Research has identified major flaws in HAPs, the programs are not regularly updated with separate budgets or legal support, nor do they identify the most vulnerable populations. It is unclear who should fund and implement heat action plans for the country.
India’s Vulnerable Population in Danger
Vulnerable communities have increased risk of exposure to extreme heatwaves. These include residents of urban slums, people with health issues, farmers, and construction workers as they spend most of their days in outdoor environments.
Reports suggest that around three quarters of India’s labor force is employed in “heat-exposed” sectors. The government’s own mortality figures reveal that almost 26,000 lives were lost due to heatwaves between 1990 and 2020.
Most HAPs do not consider local context and fail to conduct vulnerability assessments. The additional gaps include lack of appropriate funding and non-notification under existing laws leading to less efficient funding.
Changes Needed in Heat Action Plans
To prevent further loss of life, changes are necessary to improve heat action plans. Recommendations include labeling heatwaves as disasters, regularly monitoring and evaluating heat action plans with a focus on vulnerable groups, establishing laws that implement the plans, and ensuring adequate funding.
Additionally, interventions must be focused on the local realities of vulnerable populations by identifying existing schemes that could support these groups.
In summary, while India has made strides in implementing heat action plans to combat rising temperatures and heatwaves, there are still numerous gaps that require urgent attention. Specifically, the Indian authorities need better resources and preparation to deal with searing heat and protect vulnerable communities.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
