A Health Warning on Heat
(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)
Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 28 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 28 June 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 3: Environment, Disaster Management, Public Health |
| Context |
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India’s Heatwave Crisis: A Public Health Emergency
Rising Temperatures, Rising Toll
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In summer 2025, multiple Indian states recorded temperatures above 45°C, pushing both humans and infrastructure to their limits.
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Deaths from heatstroke and dehydration have surged, overwhelming hospitals and primary health centers, especially in vulnerable regions.
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Urban poor, daily wage workers, elderly citizens, and children are particularly at risk.
Systemic Shortfalls in Heat Preparedness
1. Inadequate Heat Action Plans (HAPs)
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Only a few cities (e.g., Ahmedabad, Nagpur) have functional Heat Action Plans.
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Most states either lack HAPs or have poor implementation and enforcement mechanisms.
2. Health Systems Underprepared
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Healthcare workers lack training in managing heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration.
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No clear protocols for triage or emergency care specific to heat emergencies.
3. Infrastructure Deficit
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Public areas largely lack cooling shelters, water dispensers (ATMs), shaded bus stops, and mobile health units.
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Poorly ventilated and overcrowded housing in urban slums amplifies heat vulnerability.
Recommendations for Reform
A. Recognize Heatwaves as Disasters
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Include heatwaves explicitly under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
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This will enable better coordination, funding, and response frameworks.
B. Strengthen Heat Action Plans
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Develop localized, city-specific HAPs that factor in topography, humidity, population density, and infrastructure gaps.
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Focus on early warning systems, inter-agency coordination, and real-time communication with the public.
C. Climate-Resilient Urban Design
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Promote green infrastructure like tree-lined streets, urban forests, and green roofs.
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Encourage heat-reflective building materials, better insulation, and design innovations in housing.
D. Health Sector Preparedness
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Train ASHA workers, nurses, and PHC doctors in heat illness diagnosis and first aid.
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Stockpile ORS, IV fluids, fans, and coolers in high-risk zones.
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Ensure 24×7 availability of emergency transport for heatstroke patients.
E. Community Engagement & Awareness
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Conduct public awareness campaigns on:
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Symptoms of heatstroke and dehydration.
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Importance of hydration, light clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.
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Adjusting work hours for outdoor laborers.
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Way Forward: Long-Term Climate Resilience
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Integrate climate adaptation into Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT.
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Introduce heat-resilient zoning laws and building codes.
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Mobilize local governments to prioritize heat health surveillance and early response systems.
| Practice Question: (GS-3 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) Heatwaves are increasingly becoming lethal due to climate change. How should India reform its disaster preparedness and public health systems to address this growing threat? |
