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India is increasingly facing more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves, posing a significant threat to public health, economic productivity, agricultural stability, andenvironmental sustainability. This trend underscores the broader implications of climate change, particularly for developing economies with large vulnerable populations.

Understanding Heatwaves

A heatwave is defined as a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD):

• A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C in plains and 30°C in hilly regions.
• The severity is determined by how much the temperature exceeds the normal.

Impacts of Heatwaves

• Public Health:
  • Prolonged heat exposure increases the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and worsens cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
  • Vulnerable groups include the elderly, outdoor workers, and those without access to cooling.
• Livelihoods and Employment:
  • According to the World Bank, India could lose 34 million jobs by 2030 due to heat-stress-related productivity declines.
  • The informal sector and outdoor labourers are especially at risk.
• Agriculture and Food Security:
  • Heat stress leads to reduced crop yields, livestock deaths, and increased irrigation demand.
  • It threatens the food supply chain and rural incomes.
• Water Scarcity:
  • 54% of India’s land is under high to extremely high water stress, as per the World Resources Institute (WRI).
  • Heatwaves exacerbate droughts and deplete groundwater sources.
• Environmental Degradation:
  • Higher temperatures increase the risk of wildfires, especially in forested and arid zones.
  • Ecosystem services and biodiversity are under stress.
• Infrastructure and Energy:
  • Rising temperatures lead to increased energy demand for cooling, straining power grids.
  • Urban infrastructure suffers due to heat-induced wear and tear.