India’s Heat Action Plans

As India braces for another intense summer, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is set to implement an additional 300 Heat Action Plans (HAPs) across cities. These plans aim to combat the rising temperatures that have already seen heatwaves commencing earlier this year, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a further increase in temperatures in Northwest India.

About Heat Action Plans (HAPs)

HAPs are strategic frameworks developed by governments to mitigate the impact of extreme heat events. They outline standard operating procedures for cities and states to prepare for, respond to, and recover from heat-related challenges. The plans include emergency response activities, long-term preparedness strategies, and cooling interventions.

Current Implementation Status

Currently, approximately 200 HAPs have been finalised in India. The NDMA aims to expand this to 500 plans. These efforts are crucial as many states have not moved beyond basic advisory measures for heat prevention. The NDMA is focused on ensuring that these plans are actionable and not merely theoretical.

Public Health and Infrastructure Concerns

Extreme heat poses risks to public health and infrastructure. Reports indicate a decline in heatwave-related deaths due to improved weather forecasting. However, the economic impact of heat stress remains substantial. With 85% of India’s workforce in the informal sector, sectors like agriculture and construction are particularly vulnerable to heat-related issues.

Global Context and Economic Implications

Globally, over 70% of the workforce is at risk from extreme heat. This results in millions of injuries and deaths annually. Climate change could cost India approximately 2.8% of its GDP by 2050, affecting the living standards of half its population. By 2030, India may face job losses due to heat stress, with projections estimating 34 million jobs at risk.

Government Initiatives and Funding

The Government of India has allocated $30 billion for disaster management from 2021 to 2026, with $6 billion earmarked for mitigation efforts. This includes funding for both heat management and earthquake mitigation plans. Such investments are essential to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2025

Category: Environment Current Affairs