India’s Heat Action Plans for Extreme Heat Management

As India braces for another intense summer, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is set to implement 300 additional Heat Action Plans (HAPs) across cities. These plans come in response to an early onset of heatwaves this year, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in multiple states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts further temperature increases in Northwest India in the coming days.

About Heat Action Plans (HAPs)

Heat Action Plans are strategic frameworks developed to manage the impacts of extreme heat. They aim to enhance public health and safeguard infrastructure. HAPs include emergency response activities and long-term cooling interventions. They are essential for preventing heat-induced health issues. Currently, around 200 plans have been finalised, with an ambitious goal of reaching 500.

Implementation Challenges

Despite the development of HAPs, many states struggle with effective implementation. Most existing plans offer basic advisories on heat prevention but lack comprehensive action. NDMA is focused on ensuring that district magistrates understand and execute these plans effectively. The transition from theoretical frameworks to practical applications remains challenge.

Heatwaves as a Public Health Issue

Extreme heat is not classified as a natural disaster under current disaster management policies. This classification limits access to financial assistance for affected regions. However, improved weather predictions have led to a decrease in heatwave-related deaths. Last year, India experienced 536 heatwave days, the highest recorded since 2010, with health implications.

Impact on Workforce and Economy

Heat stress poses a considerable risk, especially in sectors like agriculture and construction, where a large portion of the workforce is employed. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that over 70% of the global workforce faces high risks from extreme heat. This situation could result in millions of injuries and deaths annually. Climate change could potentially reduce India’s GDP by 2.8% by 2050, affecting living standards for nearly half the population.

Future Projections and Economic Risks

According to projections, India could face substantial job losses due to heat stress, with estimates suggesting up to 34 million jobs could be at risk by 2030. This situation could lead to a loss of 4.5% of India’s GDP due to decreased labour productivity. The government has approved funding for disaster management, including $30 billion over five years for various mitigation efforts.

Broader Disaster Management Efforts

In addition to heat management, NDMA is developing plans for earthquake mitigation. This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to addressing multiple disaster risks. The allocation of $6 billion specifically for mitigation puts stress on the urgency of preparing for various climate-related challenges.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the importance of Heat Action Plans in mitigating the effects of climate change in India.
2. Explain the economic implications of heat stress on India’s informal workforce and overall GDP.
3. What are the potential impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity in India? Support your answer with suitable examples.
4. Comment on the role of the National Disaster Management Authority in addressing multiple disaster risks in India, including heatwaves and earthquakes.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the importance of Heat Action Plans in mitigating the effects of climate change in India.

1. HAPs provide a structured approach to manage extreme heat, enhancing public health and infrastructure resilience.
2. They include emergency response strategies and long-term cooling interventions essential for preventing heat-related health issues.
3. With climate change leading to more frequent heatwaves, HAPs are crucial for adapting to rising temperatures.
4. Effective implementation can reduce heatwave-related mortality and health complications, as seen with improved weather predictions.
5. Scaling up from 200 to 500 HAPs demonstrates a proactive governmental response to climate-induced challenges.

2. Explain the economic implications of heat stress on India’s informal workforce and overall GDP.

1. Approximately 85% of India’s workforce is informal, making them highly vulnerable to heat stress impacts.
2. Sectors like agriculture and construction, which employ portions of the workforce, are particularly affected by extreme heat.
3. Heat stress can lead to decreased productivity, resulting in potential job losses and economic downturns.
4. Estimates suggest that up to 34 million jobs could be at risk due to heat stress by 2030.
5. Lost labor hours from extreme heat could cost India up to 4.5% of its GDP by 2030, affecting overall economic stability.

3. What are the potential impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity in India? Support your answer with suitable examples.

1. Climate change can lead to erratic monsoon patterns, affecting crop yields and agricultural planning.
2. Increased temperatures can stress crops, reducing productivity, especially for heat-sensitive varieties like wheat and rice.
3. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, can devastate harvests, as seen in recent years in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.
4. Changing climate conditions may also encourage the spread of pests and diseases, further threatening food security.
5. Adaptation measures, such as heat-resistant crop varieties, are essential to mitigate these impacts and maintain productivity.

4. Comment on the role of the National Disaster Management Authority in addressing multiple disaster risks in India, including heatwaves and earthquakes.

1. NDMA plays a very important role in formulating and implementing disaster management strategies, including HAPs for heatwaves.
2. It is responsible for coordinating responses to various disasters, ensuring a comprehensive approach to risk management.
3. NDMA’s focus on both heat and earthquake mitigation reflects the multidimensional nature of disaster risks in India.
4. By allocating funding for disaster management, NDMA emphasizes the importance of preparedness and resilience.
5. Engagement with local authorities, such as district magistrates, is crucial for effective implementation of disaster response plans.