Is India Getting Hotter?
India’s summers are getting hotter, starting earlier and lasting longer.
Heat waves used to be rare and short but now happen often and last for months.
Between 2010 and 2024, the total heat wave days in India increased by over 200%.
What is a Heat Wave?
Heat wave means temperatures reach 40°C in plains or 30°C in hills for two days straight, above normal by 4.5°C or more.
These conditions are now common during summer in many states like Odisha and Rajasthan.
Impact on People and Deaths
Official heat-related death counts are low because many deaths happen outside hospitals and are recorded under other causes like heart attacks.
From 2000 to 2020, official records show about 20,615 heatstroke deaths, but true numbers are likely much higher.
Studies estimate around 155,000 heat-related deaths in India in 2021 alone.
Economic and Social Effects
Heat waves reduce crop yields, for example, wheat production dropped by about 4.5% in 2022.
Electricity demand spikes causing power shortages and blackouts.
Outdoor workers in farming and construction face health risks and loss of income.
Heat-related productivity loss could cut 2.5% to 4.5% of India’s GDP by 2030.
Traditional Ways of Coping with Heat
Historically, Indians lived with heat by using mud houses, shaded courtyards, and flexible work hours to avoid midday heat.
Practices like Navtapa involved resting during hottest days and drinking hydrating drinks.
These traditional methods were practical but are now less common due to modern building styles and work patterns.
Modern Challenges
Cities replaced breathable buildings with concrete and glass, making heat worse indoors.
Planning and building codes do not require cooling designs.
Rural areas, where most vulnerable people live, lack formal heat action plans and support.
Current Heat Action Efforts
Some cities like Ahmedabad have heat action plans that reduced heat deaths.
Efforts to increase green spaces and cool roofs are starting in cities.
Most heat action plans lack funding, legal backing, or clear responsibilities.
Rural areas have very little support or awareness programs for heat safety.
Communication Gaps
Many people don’t understand “feels like” temperature, which includes humidity and sun intensity.
Heat warnings are mostly in Hindi or English and shared via apps, missing many rural and poor people.
Effective communication needs local languages and community outreach beyond digital methods.
Way Forward
Local governments can start by making heat action plans with rest spots, water, and trusted alerts.
National programs can promote climate-friendly housing with cool roofs and more trees.
Building codes should encourage passive cooling designs.
Coordination between government bodies and Panchayats is needed for better heat management.
Combining traditional knowledge with modern science, backed by political will, is key to prepare for hotter summers ahead.
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