The Delhi government launched the Heat Action Plan (HAP) 2025. This initiative aims to protect citizens from extreme heat, particularly the vulnerable populations. With rising temperatures predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the plan addresses health risks associated with heatwaves.
Key Features of the Heat Action Plan
The plan includes a city-wide heat alert system. This system provides graded alerts—yellow, orange, and red—before extreme heat days. It ensures that citizens are informed and can take necessary precautions.
Dedicated Hospital Wards
Special air-conditioned units will be established in major hospitals like AIIMS and RML. These wards will focus on treating heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. Rapid cooling techniques will be employed, including ice baths and cold-water immersion, along with essential medical supplies like intravenous fluids and oral rehydration salts.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups
The plan prioritises interventions for the most at-risk groups. This includes the elderly, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and outdoor workers. Tailored strategies will ensure these groups receive adequate protection and support.
Public Awareness Campaigns
To educate citizens on heat safety, the plan includes various public awareness initiatives. These will feature hoardings, street plays, community radio broadcasts, and mic announcements. The aim is to promote safe practices during heatwaves.
Labour Welfare Measures
Employers are encouraged to reschedule outdoor work during peak heat hours. They must also provide water, shade, and rest facilities for their workers. This approach aims to protect outdoor labourers from heat-related health issues.
Urban Cooling Initiatives
The plan promotes urban cooling strategies. Installing cool roofs in heat hotspots like Vivekananda Terminal and Kashmere Gate ISBT will help regulate indoor temperatures. Increasing green cover and tree plantation is also proposed to mitigate heat retention in urban areas.
Community Participation
The involvement of local communities is crucial for the plan’s success. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), schools, ASHA workers, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will play active roles in implementing the plan at the grassroots level.
Data Tracking
Monitoring of heat-related illnesses and fatalities will occur under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). This data tracking will allow for timely interventions and adjustments to the plan as necessary.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the impact of urbanisation on heat retention in metropolitan areas.
- Critically examine the role of public awareness in disaster management strategies.
- What are the health impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations? Explain.
- What is the significance of community participation in implementing government initiatives? How does it enhance effectiveness?
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the impact of urbanisation on heat retention in metropolitan areas.
- Urbanisation leads to increased concrete surfaces, which absorb and retain heat.
- Reduction in green spaces limits natural cooling and increases urban heat islands.
- Higher population density raises energy consumption, contributing to heat generation.
- Infrastructure such as buildings and roads can exacerbate heat retention through design and materials.
- Mitigation strategies include increasing greenery and implementing reflective materials in construction.
2. Critically examine the role of public awareness in disaster management strategies.
- Public awareness enhances preparedness, enabling communities to act effectively during disasters.
- Education campaigns inform citizens about safety measures and available resources.
- Engagement encourages community resilience, encouraging collective response efforts.
- Awareness can reduce panic and misinformation during emergencies, leading to better outcomes.
- Utilizing diverse communication channels ensures broader reach and inclusivity in messaging.
3. What are the health impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations? Explain.
- Vulnerable populations face increased risks of heat-related illnesses due to extreme temperatures.
- Climate change can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular diseases from air pollution.
- Food and water scarcity can lead to malnutrition and related health issues.
- Increased vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue) affect populations with limited healthcare access.
- Social determinants such as poverty and lack of infrastructure worsen health outcomes for these groups.
4. What is the significance of community participation in implementing government initiatives? How does it enhance effectiveness?
- Community participation encourages a sense of ownership and accountability among residents.
- Local knowledge can inform better-targeted and culturally relevant interventions.
- Engagement encourages collaboration between citizens and government, improving trust and transparency.
- Active involvement can lead to more sustainable practices and long-term commitment to initiatives.
- Feedback from the community can help adapt and refine programs to meet evolving needs.
