India Prepares for a Scorching Summer: How Heat Health Governance Can Mitigate the Impact

As India enters the summer season, the country is bracing for unprecedented heat due to a forecast of above-normal temperatures and an increased number of heatwave days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for prolonged heatwaves, particularly in central and eastern regions like Odisha, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This article explores how India can leverage heat action plans and climate governance to cope with these extreme heat conditions.

Introduction to the Summer Forecast

The IMD's latest forecast indicates that the upcoming summer will see above-normal heatwave days across much of the northern, central, and eastern parts of India. This trend is in line with a broader pattern of increasing heatwave frequency and intensity observed over the past few decades[1][2]. Notably, the year 2024 was the warmest on record both globally and in India, with June witnessing an all-time high of 181 heatwave days in the northwestern region[2].

Impacts of Heatwaves

Heatwaves have multifaceted impacts on society, affecting health, economy, and infrastructure:

• Health Impacts: Heatwaves are linked to increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for robust health leadership in responding to heat-related crises[2].

• Economic Consequences: Extreme heat leads to reduced labor productivity, increased healthcare costs, and potential damage to infrastructure. Climate-driven economic losses can reach up to 2.8% of India's GDP[2].

• Infrastructure and Supply Chains: Heatwaves can disrupt supply chains and infrastructure, including electricity grids and water systems, exacerbating conditions in urban areas[2].

Role of Heat Action Plans

Heat Action Plans (HAPs) have become a cornerstone of India's strategy to manage heatwave impacts. These plans typically include measures such as:

• Early Warning Systems: Timely alerts are issued by the IMD to inform states and districts of impending heatwaves, allowing for proactive measures to mitigate effects[1][2].

• Cooling Spaces: Public spaces like parks and malls are designated as heat shelters where people can seek refuge during extreme heat[2].

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Community outreach programs educate the public on how to stay safe during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and avoiding heat stroke[2].

Despite these efforts, ongoing challenges remain in the implementation and effectiveness of these plans across different regions[2].

Enhancing Governance for Heat Resilience

To effectively cope with heatwaves, India needs to enhance its governance framework in several key areas:

• Strengthening Health Systems: Hospitals and healthcare providers must be prepared to handle increased cases of heat-related illnesses. This includes stocking up on medical supplies and training staff in heat health management[2].

• Urban Planning: Cities like Delhi, which recently experienced its first heatwave of the 2025 summer with temperatures reaching 40.2°C, must integrate urban heat island mitigation strategies into city planning. This could include greening initiatives, cooler pavement designs, and building codes that promote heat-resistant construction[4].

• Policy and Legislation: Implementing policies that mandate heat action protocols and provide legal frameworks for enforcement are crucial. For instance, integrating heatwave management into the existing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) framework could provide a structured approach to managing heat-related risks[2].

International Cooperation and Lessons

Globally, there is a growing recognition of the need to address extreme heat as part of broader climate change mitigation efforts. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for increased international collaboration to protect vulnerable populations and limit global warming to below 1.5°C[2]. This includes scaling up renewable energy investments and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Moving Forward

As India prepares for a challenging summer ahead, effective heat governance will be critical in minimizing the impacts of heatwaves. By strengthening health systems, enhancing urban resilience, and implementing robust governance mechanisms, India can better protect its citizens from the increasingly severe effects of heatwaves.

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[List of Recommended Actions for Heatwave Management:

• Public Hydration Campaigns: Ensure widespread access to clean water and hydration facilities.
• Cooling Centers: Designate public buildings and parks as heat shelters.
• Preliminary Health Checks: Conduct regular heat-related illness screenings, particularly among vulnerable groups.
• Education on Heat Safety: Implement public awareness programs on heatwave safety measures.
• Strengthened Infrastructure: Upgrade urban infrastructure to mitigate the urban heat island effect.]

By adopting these strategies and learning from international best practices, India can take significant steps toward reducing the risks associated with heatwaves and ensuring a more resilient and adaptive response to climate challenges.

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