Heat Waves and India

"Heat waves have plagued humanity for centuries, documented in ancient texts and artwork. Today, however, these scorching periods are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a growing threat in a warming world.”

The advent of heat waves has adversely affected the whole world and India is no outlier in this context. According to a report by Lancet, India’s vulnerability to extreme heat increased 15% from 1990 to 2019.

These heat waves significantly impact the health, economy, and daily lives of people in India and the world.

Heat waves are long periods of very hot weather, often with high humidity. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) defines that, “a heat wave happens when the temperature goes above 40°C in the plains, 37°C in coastal areas, and 30°C in hilly regions. If the temperature is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal, it is a heat wave, and if it is more than 6.4°C above normal, it is a severe heat wave.”

Several factors cause heat waves in India, including climate change, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and the country’s location. Global warming is making these heat waves more common and severe. Cutting down trees also makes things worse because trees naturally cool the environment.

Another reason because of which cities like Delhi are getting hotter than rural areas is because of the Urban Heat Island Effect caused by human activities.

Urban Heat Island Effect is when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure. Concrete, asphalt, and limited vegetation absorb and retain more heat, while dense buildings and vehicle emissions contribute further.

In 2024, Delhi has experienced some of its worst heat waves on record. Reports from Times Now highlight that in June 2024, the capital recorded temperatures as high as 50°C, and the highest ever recorded. This extreme heat has led to severe health issues.

A survey conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) found a 20% increase in hospital admissions due to heat-related illnesses compared to previous years.

Heat waves lead to more illnesses and deaths, especially among the elderly, children, and people with health problems. Heat stroke, which causes high body temperature, confusion, and unconsciousness, can be deadly. Heat exhaustion, marked by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea, is also dangerous. People can get dehydrated because they lose a lot of body fluids and electrolytes from sweating. Heat waves also affect mental health, making people more stressed, anxious, and irritable.

An example to showcase the cultural shifts amongst the people is that in Maharashtra, women farm workers like Rukmini Kamble and Pramila Waghmare have had to adapt to the heat by applying henna for cooling and reducing water intake to avoid frequent trips to distant water sources. These adaptations reflect a shift in cultural practices as communities strive to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. The intense heat has not only affected their physical health but also imposed new cultural norms and behaviors to cope with the changing climate.

Globally, heat waves are also on the rise. In 2024, southern Europe, including cities like Athens and Rome, experienced unprecedented heat waves with temperatures exceeding 45°C. This led to wildfires, severe droughts, and significant health emergencies. Similarly, the western United States, particularly California, faced extreme heat, causing widespread wildfires and power outages as the demand for electricity soared.

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The economic impact of heat waves is huge.

·???? Agriculture, a key part of the Indian economy, suffers because crops can fail, yields can drop, and pests and diseases can become more common. Water scarcity during heat waves makes it hard to irrigate crops.

·???? For instance, Devender Sharma, an agriculture expert, noted, "The heat waves severely affected wheat production, causing forced maturity and a 15-25% reduction in yields." This has led to substantial financial losses for farmers, pushing many towards debt and poverty. The heat waves in March were particularly damaging, resulting in lower grain yields and financial instability for the farming community.

·???? Livestock also suffer, with reduced milk production and higher death rates. In cities like Delhi, labor productivity decreases significantly during heat waves, especially for outdoor workers. Heat stress makes it hard to work, reducing physical and cognitive performance, leading to lower work efficiency and increased absenteeism.

·???? The demand for energy goes up as people use more air conditioning, leading to higher energy costs and frequent power outages.

A survey by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) revealed that businesses in Delhi reported a 15% increase in operational costs due to higher energy consumption during the heat waves.

Other cities in India are facing similar issues. In May 2024, Ahmedabad recorded temperatures over 48°C, resulting in numerous cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The economic effects were evident in the agricultural sector, where crops like wheat and pulses suffered significant losses. Reports from Times of India indicate that farmers experienced up to a 30% reduction in yield due to the extreme heat and water shortages.

Heat waves also create social problems.

·???? People often move from rural to urban areas like Delhi looking for better living conditions and jobs, putting more pressure on city resources.

·???? Water scarcity leads to conflicts over water and affects household water supply, sanitation, and hygiene, leading to more waterborne diseases.

·???? Schools sometimes close during extreme heat, disrupting children’s education.

A survey by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) found that school attendance dropped by 10% during peak heat wave periods, and students reported difficulty in concentrating in class due to the heat.

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The environment also suffers from heat waves.

·???? High temperatures increase the risk of forest fires, which destroy plants and animals and cause air pollution.

·???? Heat waves can dry up water bodies, affecting aquatic life and reducing water availability for irrigation and drinking.

·???? In Delhi, the Yamuna River's water levels have dropped significantly during heat waves, affecting the city's water supply.

·?? The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves in India have led to a significant rise in the use of air conditioners (ACs), which has adverse effects on the environment.

For instance, during a particularly severe heat wave in Delhi, the demand for ACs soared, leading to a spike in electricity consumption. This not only strained the power grid but also increased greenhouse gas emissions.

A report by the Delhi Jal Board indicated a 25% reduction in water availability during the hottest months, exacerbating the city's water crisis.

Dealing with heat waves requires action from everyone.

·???? Governments need to develop and implement heat action plans to help people prepare for, respond to, and recover from heat waves.

·???? Cities should be planned with more green spaces, cool roofing techniques, and better building designs to reduce the heat island effect.

·???? Water management practices like rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and restoring traditional water bodies are essential. Communities need to be aware of the dangers of heat waves and know how to stay safe.

·???? Cooling centers can provide relief during extreme heat.

·???? People should stay hydrated, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, use sunscreen, and avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day.

·???? Using fans and air conditioners wisely and keeping homes cool can also help.

·???? We should seek inspiration from campaigns of several local communities.

For instance, in Telangana, local communities have been actively involved in large-scale afforestation projects to combat the effects of heat waves. For instance, the "Haritha Haram" initiative aims to increase green cover, helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce ambient temperatures. By planting millions of trees, this initiative not only provides shade but also improves air quality and biodiversity, which are crucial for a sustainable environment.

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Delhi has taken steps to combat heat waves.

In 2015, the Delhi government launched a heat action plan which includes early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, training for healthcare workers, and setting up cooling centers in various parts of the city. These measures have helped to reduce heat-related deaths and illnesses.

The Delhi Metro, for instance, has become a refuge for many during peak heat hours due to its air-conditioned environment.

Moreover, initiatives to increase green cover, like the planting of thousands of trees, are aimed at reducing the urban heat island effect.

In 2024, the Delhi government has further strengthened these measures by increasing the number of public water kiosks and extending the operating hours of community cooling centers.

Local communities in Delhi are tackling severe heat waves by enhancing green cover and promoting urban forestry. Areas like the Yamuna floodplain and the Central Ridge help reduce local temperatures significantly.

Community-driven initiatives focus on planting native species suited to the local climate, ensuring long-term survival and effective heat mitigation. Reforestation and better management of parks, gardens, and bodies of water are essential to maximize cooling potential.

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In other parts of the country, several unique solutions have been adopted by people like

1.?In Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, farmers have started using locally developed irrigation techniques and drought-resistant crop varieties to combat the effects of heat waves.

This collective effort has helped mitigate some of the adverse impacts and provided a more sustainable approach to farming under extreme conditions

2.?In Ahmedabad, the 'Cool Roofs' initiative is gaining popularity. Asha, a resident, shared, "We’ve painted our roof white to reflect sunlight and keep our home cooler. It really helps."

This low-cost solution reduces indoor temperatures by reflecting more sunlight, thereby lowering the need for air conditioning and reducing energy costs

In conclusion, heat waves in India are a serious issue with wide-ranging effects on health, the economy, society, and the environment. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated efforts from governments, communities, and individuals. By adopting comprehensive strategies, India can better prepare for and cope with the effects of heat waves, ensuring the well-being of its people and sustainable development.

-Written by Harshit Chandnani