Indian Economy, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 4. With record-breaking heatwaves affecting large parts of India in 2024–25, examine the socio-economic and health impacts of extreme heat. Evaluate the effectiveness of Heat Action Plans in building long-term resilience. (250 words, 15 marks)
Introduction
A heatwave, as per IMD, is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas, or 30°C in hilly regions, with deviations of 4.5°C or more. India witnessed record-breaking heat in 2024–25, affecting health, livelihoods, and productivity.
Body
IMD Classification of Heatwaves
- Heatwave: Departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal or temperature ≥ 45°C.
- Severe Heatwave: Departure ≥ 6.5°C or temperature ≥ 47°C.
Rising Frequency and Intensity
- Increased Incidence: India recorded over 200 heatwave days in the summer of 2024, with states like Rajasthan and Bihar facing >45°C for extended periods. Example: Phalodi, Rajasthan touched 51°C — India’s highest ever.
Socio-Economic and Health Impacts
- Health Stress and Mortality: Heat strokes and cardiovascular strain have increased, especially among elderly and outdoor workers. Example: Over 100 confirmed heat-related deaths in Odisha (May 2024).
- Reduced Labour Productivity: MGNREGA and construction workers saw reduced work hours, lowering earnings. Example: ILO estimates India lost 5.8% of working hours in 2023 due to heat.
- Agricultural Losses: Heat reduces crop yields and increases evapotranspiration. Example: Wheat production in Punjab declined by 10% due to March heat spells.
- Water and Power Demand Surge: Sharp rise in AC and pump use stresses grids and depletes groundwater. Example: Delhi faced 8-hour outages and 42% power demand rise (May 2024).
- Urban Poor Most Vulnerable: Slum dwellers face unbearable indoor heat due to tin roofs, poor ventilation, and Urban Heat Island effects. Example: Mumbai’s informal settlements recorded indoor temperatures 6–7°C above ambient levels.
Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Effectiveness
- Localized Planning and Coordination: Cities like Ahmedabad pioneered India’s first HAP in 2013, involving IMD, health departments, and urban bodies.
- Mortality Reduction: Ahmedabad saw a 61% drop in heat-related deaths over five years post-HAP implementation.
- Awareness and Behavioural Change: SMS alerts, water stations, and public education reduced vulnerability in cities like Nagpur and Bhubaneswar.
- Still Limited in Coverage: Only 23 of 100 smart cities have functional HAPs. Implementation remains urban-centric and seasonal.
- Lack of Integration with Climate Policy: HAPs often remain stand-alone documents, not linked with city masterplans or state disaster management strategies.
Government Interventions
- National Plan for Heatwave Action (2023): NDMA’s revised guidelines promote state wise HAPs with focus on early warning systems, healthcare capacity, and inter-agency coordination.
- India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): Launched by MoEFCC in 2019, ICAP targets sustainable cooling and heat resilience with a 20–25% reduction in cooling demand by 2037–38.
- Early Warning Dissemination: IMD issues color-coded heat alerts, reaching millions via Doordarshan, mobile apps, and district administrations.
- Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI Schemes: Launched in Union Budget 2023–24 to conserve wetlands and mangroves, enhancing natural cooling in urban peripheries.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Early Warning and Communication: Use mobile alerts, local radio, and community workers for real-time advisories.
- Expand Cool Roofs: Prioritize reflective materials in low-income housing clusters. Example: Ahmedabad’s Cool Roof Program now covers 3 lakh sqm.
- Adopt Global Best Practices: Localize cooling models like LA’s cool pavements and Singapore’s vertical gardens.
- Integrate Urban Heat Mapping: Use IMD–ISRO data to target zoning, shade infrastructure, and greening in high-risk areas.
- Learn from Seville, Spain: First city to name and rank heatwaves, triggering faster response and public awareness.
Conclusion
Extreme heat events will intensify under climate change. Mainstreaming heat resilience in urban planning, guided by the Sendai Framework and India Cooling Action Plan, is essential to safeguard health, equity, and sustainable growth.
