India faces a severe heat wave causing widespread distress. The eastern state of Odisha reported eight deaths within 72 hours as of June 11.
This extreme event is part of a decade-long trend of increasingly intense heat waves throughout the country. Global warming is responsible, making these heat waves longer, more frequent, and more severe, particularly in South Asian nations.
A recent study in May highlighted that climate change has increased the likelihood of heatwaves in this region by at least 30 times. South Asian temperatures are now at least 2°C higher than pre-industrial levels due to climate change. 
Various parts of India, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, have seen temperatures soar to between 45°C and 50°C. The heatwave coincided with the final phases of the general election, worsening conditions.
In Bihar, 14 people, including ten polling personnel, died from heatstroke. Uttar Pradesh saw over 25 election workers succumb to the oppressive heat. This disaster exacerbated water shortages and disrupted electricity supplies in both urban and rural areas, impacting vulnerable communities the hardest.
From March to May, official statistics recorded 60 heat-related deaths, but the actual number could be higher as many cases, especially in rural areas, go unreported.
Although extreme heat has forced many to stay indoors, daily-wage laborers and gig workers involved in outdoor jobs continue to suffer the most.
Scientists stress the urgent need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to curb rising global temperatures. Despite being the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India’s per capita carbon footprint remains much lower than that of Western industrialized nations.
India’s heat action plans (HAPs), designed to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, are not robustly implemented. A report from the Centre for Policy Research analyzed 37 HAPs across 18 Indian states and found that most plans are not tailored to local contexts or focused on vulnerable groups.
These plans also suffer from inadequate funding, lack legal backing, and are not transparent enough.
Local self-help groups and nonprofits are stepping in to assist affected communities. The Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) helps by providing thermal insulation for shelters, free umbrellas, health check-ups, and safe drinking water stations. Additionally, they train communities on the impacts of climate change.
In Jharkhand, local authorities and district administration work together to distribute water and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to vulnerable groups like daily-wage workers, footpath dwellers, small vendors, and traffic personnel.
The Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) offers sustainable cooling solutions in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s heat-trapped slums. Since 2009, MHT has piloted cooling solutions such as white paint, green roofs, and Airlite (a translucent plastic sheet for improved ventilation) along with ModRoof (a modular roof made from cardboard and agricultural waste).
Among these, white solar-reflective paint was particularly effective and affordable, significantly reducing temperatures and providing much-needed relief to women, children, and elderly residents.
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Severe Heat Wave | Widespread distress, multiple deaths |
| Water Shortages | Erratic electricity supply and difficulty accessing water |
| Increased Heat Exposure | Daily-wage laborers, gig workers suffer the most |
Local Initiatives:
- SEEDS: Thermal insulation for shelters, free umbrellas, health check-ups, safe drinking water stations.
- Jharkhand Authorities: Distribution of water and ORS to daily-wage workers, footpath dwellers, small vendors, traffic personnel.
- Mahila Housing Trust: Sustainable cooling solutions like white paint, green roofs, Airlite, and ModRoof in heat-trapped slums.
