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Introduction
The recent surge in temperatures across North India has intensified concerns about heatwaves, their impact, and the necessary measures to mitigate their effects.
Cities such as Haryana-Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Odisha, and West Bengal are facing maximum temperatures exceeding normal levels by 4-8°C.
Rising humidity and warmer nights are exacerbating heat stress, particularly in warm-humid and moderate climate zones.
Understanding Heatwave Crisis in India
A heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed normal by 4.5-6.4°C, and a severe heatwave is declared when the departure exceeds 6.4°C.
The region is currently experiencing heatwaves with actual maximum temperatures above 45°C, posing significant risks to public health and infrastructure.
Prolonged extreme heat conditions can lead to heatstroke and cardiovascular diseases, with each 10°F increase in mean daily temperature resulting in a 2.6% rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.
Urban Vulnerability
Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to the urban heat island effect, where factors like increased congestion, paved surfaces, depletion of water bodies, loss of vegetation, and high-density settlements trap heat and raise urban temperatures.
The socioeconomic impacts are pronounced, with workers in construction, hawking, vending, and women working in kitchens, as well as residents in tin-roofed homes, facing extreme discomfort.
Mitigation Measures
To mitigate these effects, several measures are necessary:
Improving Temperature Monitoring: Establishing a dense network of weather stations to provide granular data on microclimates, identifying high-risk areas.
Preparedness Measures: Regulating working and school hours, ensuring adequate water availability, and training healthcare workers to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses.
Urban Planning Solutions: Improving and restoring water bodies, increasing vegetation cover, and promoting cool roofs and better ventilation in buildings to enhance thermal comfort.
National Disaster Management Authority Initiatives
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has initiated Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to address specific needs at the district, city, and town levels
However, a comprehensive and coordinated national approach is necessary, involving local governments, civic groups, and communities to promote behavioral changes, adaptation, and urban planning.
Conclusion
The escalating severity of heatwaves in India demands a comprehensive and coordinated response.
By implementing improved temperature monitoring, preparedness measures, and urban planning solutions, and through the active involvement of all stakeholders, India can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of rising temperatures.
The NDMA's initiatives are a step in the right direction, but a broader national approach is crucial to protect communities and ecosystems from the growing threat of heatwaves.
Note: In this UPSC CAPF Essay about Heatwave Crisis in India, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.