02 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis

Rising Heatwaves:

• Heatwaves have become more intense and prolonged due to climate change.

• Vulnerable populations — elderly, poor, outdoor workers — face the worst impact.

Legal Gaps in Heat Protection:

• No specific national law exists on extreme heat.

• Labour laws do not mandate rest periods during peak heat hours.

• Urban design ignores cooling solutions like green roofs, shaded walkways, etc.

Need for Justice and Inclusion:

• Right to life under Article 21 includes protection from climate extremes.

• Need to include climate justice in the legal discourse and ensure accountability of local bodies.

Way Forward:

• • Implement National Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in all states with real-time monitoring.

  • Legal recognition of heatwaves as a disaster under the Disaster Management Act.

  • Invest in cooling infrastructure and inclusive urban design.

Chabahar Port Importance:

• India’s gateway to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

• Reduces dependency on traditional routes and enhances trade connectivity.

Strategic and Diplomatic Challenges:

• U.S. sanctions on Iran pose a serious risk.

• Possible diplomatic backlash from the West; may affect India-U.S. ties.

India’s Balanced Diplomacy:

• India maintains a delicate balance with Iran, the U.S., and Gulf countries.

• The port helps counter China’s influence via Gwadar in Pakistan.

Domestic and Regional Benefits:

• Boost to India’s Sagarmala and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

• Could aid in energy security and regional economic integration.

Way Forward:

• Seek sanction waivers or clarifications from the U.S.

• Build regional alliances with Central Asian countries for shared use of Chabahar.

• Speed up infrastructure and security mechanisms at the port.

Disaster Trends:

• 2024–25 has seen increased flash floods and landslides.

• Rainfall patterns have become erratic due to global warming.

Causes of Vulnerability:

• Unregulated tourism and infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, dams).

• Deforestation and slope destabilization.

Policy Gaps:

• Poor implementation of environmental impact assessments (EIA).

• Construction codes not tailored to fragile mountain ecosystems.

Lessons from Recent Disasters:

• The Joshimath land subsidence (2023) was a major warning.

• Need to integrate local knowledge in disaster risk planning.

Way Forward:

• Halt construction in ecologically sensitive zones.

• Promote climate-resilient infrastructure with strict EIA norms.

• Involve local communities in environmental governance.