Heatwaves and Mitigation: India’s Strategic Response

Understanding Heatwaves in India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines heatwaves based on maximum temperature readings at specific stations. For plains, a heatwave is declared when temperatures hit 40°C or above. In coastal regions, the threshold is set at 37°C, while hilly areas experience a heatwave at 30°C. The severity of a heatwave increases with temperature deviations from normal ranges. A standard heatwave corresponds to a temperature rise of 4.5–6.4°C, whereas a severe heatwave exceeds these values, marked by temperatures surpassing 45°C and 47°C, respectively.

What are Heat Action Plans (HAPs)?

Heat Action Plans are comprehensive strategies developed by various states and cities to alleviate the impacts of heatwaves. These plans generally recommend utilizing forecasts and early warning systems, promoting public education regarding heat risks, establishing cooling centers, ensuring reliable water supply, and preparing healthcare facilities for heat-related illnesses. Long-term strategies may also include urban planning enhancements, such as planting trees, utilizing heat-resistant building materials, and employing cool roofing technologies.

Targeting Vulnerable Communities

Indeed, special interventions are necessary for protecting vulnerable groups during heatwaves. HAPs primarily focus on safeguarding populations such as the elderly, children, and low-income communities. Targeted interventions ensure these groups have access to cooling centers, adequate hydration, and essential information on staying safe during extreme heat. Strategies may vary based on local socio-demographic factors and existing infrastructure.

Impact of Regional Variations and Socio-Economic Differences

Regional differences, including climate, topography, and local infrastructure, necessitate customized HAPs tailored to meet specific conditions and needs. Socio-economic factors significantly influence the exposure and capacity for communities to respond to heat, highlighting the importance of recognizing these differences. Effective planning and implementation of heat mitigation strategies depend on understanding these variations.

Challenges Facing Heat Action Plans

HAPs encounter several challenges that hinder their effectiveness, including:

• Local Context: National thresholds for heatwaves may not align with local conditions. Urban heat islands and proximity to water bodies significantly influence local temperatures.
• Inconsistent Methods: Variability in vulnerability assessments can create planning gaps.
• Resource Allocation: The successful execution of HAPs relies on local government priorities and often suffers from insufficient budget allocation.
• Integration with Broader Plans: To enhance efficacy, HAPs should integrate with wider urban resilience and climate adaptation strategies.
• Focused Long-term Measures: There is a need for targeted planning concerning nature-based solutions and infrastructure enhancements to comprehensively tackle extreme heat.

These insights underscore India's preparations and responses to heatwaves through Heat Action Plans, emphasizing the necessity for tailored and well-resourced strategies to effectively mitigate risks associated with rising temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How does the IMD define a heatwave?
Answer: The IMD defines a heatwave based on maximum temperatures, with specific thresholds for plains, coastal, and hilly areas, highlighting the severity of temperature deviations.

Q2. What is the purpose of Heat Action Plans?
Answer: Heat Action Plans aim to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves through strategies such as public education, cooling centers, and long-term urban planning improvements.

Q3. Why are vulnerable communities prioritized in HAPs?
Answer: Vulnerable groups like the elderly and low-income families are prioritized to ensure they have access to resources like cooling centers and hydration during extreme heat events.

Q4. How do socio-economic factors affect heat mitigation strategies?
Answer: Socio-economic factors influence community exposure to heat and their ability to respond, necessitating tailored strategies in Heat Action Plans for effective implementation.

Q5. What challenges do Heat Action Plans face?
Answer: HAPs face challenges such as local context discrepancies, inconsistent methods for assessments, resource allocation issues, and the need for integration with broader resilience strategies.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the threshold temperature for a heatwave in coastal regions according to the IMD?
A) 30°C
B) 37°C
C) 40°C
D) 45°C
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What is the main goal of Heat Action Plans (HAPs)?
A) To increase urban population
B) To mitigate heatwave impacts
C) To monitor air quality
D) To promote tourism
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which demographic is specifically mentioned as needing protection during heatwaves?
A) Young adults
B) Middle-aged individuals
C) Vulnerable populations
D) Tourists
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: How does resource allocation affect the effectiveness of HAPs?
A) It has no effect
B) It can enhance implementation
C) It complicates planning
D) It reduces community involvement
Correct Answer: B