Why In News :
A recent study by Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) titled “How Extreme Heat is Impacting India” reveals that 57% of India’s districts, covering 76% of the population, are at high or very high risk from extreme heat.
Key Findings
- Rise in warm nights: Over 70% of districts witnessed at least five more very warm nights per summer (2012–2022 vs 1982–2011).
- North India more humid: Relative humidity rose from 30–40% to 40–50%, particularly in Indo-Gangetic Plains, increasing heat stress.
- Urban heat islands: Rapidly urbanising Tier-II and III cities like Pune, Gurugram, Thoothukudi report hotter nights due to heat-retaining concrete.
- High vulnerability: Populations with age-related or non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) are at greater risk.
Heat Risk vs Heatwave
- Heatwave: A meteorological condition – prolonged high temperatures.
- Heat Risk: A composite measure of intensity, exposure, and vulnerability (e.g., health status, socio-economic conditions, urban density).
Drivers of Heat Risk
- Climate-induced changes: Warmer nights, increased humidity.
- Urbanisation: Denser cities retain and radiate more heat.
- Socio-economic vulnerability: Elderly, ill, and poor disproportionately affected.
- Inadequate planning: 95% of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) lack vulnerability mapping and long-term strategies.
Significance of the Study
- Early Warning for Governance: Warns of India’s increasing climate vulnerability.
- Heatwave–health link: Heat stress intensifies health burdens, especially among the urban poor and elderly.
- Need for Heat-Resilient Infrastructure: Highlights the urgent need to invest in green cover, heat-reflective materials, and healthcare systems.
Way Forward
Revamp Heat Action Plans (HAPs):
- Ensure risk mapping, interdepartmental coordination, and public awareness.
Urban Planning Reforms:
- Promote green infrastructure, reflective surfaces, and reduce urban heat islands.
Health System Preparedness:
- Strengthen primary healthcare centres in heat hotspots.
Climate-Resilient Policies:
- Integrate heat risk mitigation in Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and State Action Plans on Climate Change.
Conclusion
With over half the districts facing high heat risk and record-breaking heat events becoming the norm, India must treat extreme heat as a public health emergency and build resilient cities and communities through proactive planning and investment.
| UPSC Relevance : GS1: Indian Geography – Climate patterns and urbanisation GS2: Governance – Disaster preparedness & public health infrastructure GS3: Environment – Climate change adaptation and resilience Possible Mains Question : Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) titled “How Extreme Heat is Impacting India” reveals that 57% of India’s districts, covering 76% of the population, are at high or very high risk from extreme heat. Elucidate. |