Heatwaves are emerging as one of India’s most pressing climate challenges, with Odisha ranking among the worst-affected states over the past five years. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves have significantly increased, with 2024 witnessing 37 heatwave days, including three extended spells lasting over five days each. This is the highest recorded in recent years!

 

These extreme weather events are driven by persistent anticyclonic circulation and delayed sea breeze onset, leading to severe heat advection across affected regions. As heatwaves intensify, their impact extends beyond rising temperatures, affecting public health, agriculture, and economic stability.

 

The Public Health Fallout of Heatwaves

 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has identified an increasing trend in heatwaves across the northern plains and central India, with serious implications for human health and productivity:

 

1. Rising Heat-Related Illnesses

• Increased incidences of heat strokes and heat-related illnesses, particularly among the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

• Outdoor workers such as farmers, construction laborers, and delivery personnel are at heightened risk due to prolonged sun exposure.

 

2. Overburdened Healthcare Infrastructure

• Hospitals in affected regions experience higher emergency admissions for dehydration, heat exhaustion, and cardiovascular stress.

• Inadequate cooling facilities in healthcare centers make managing heat-related illnesses more challenging.

 

Heatwaves and Agricultural Disruptions

 

Extreme temperatures directly impact food security by reducing crop yields and increasing agricultural losses:

 

1. Lower Crop Productivity - Vegetables and perishable crops suffer the most, leading to market shortages and price spikes. Heat stress on wheat and rice crops lowers yields, exacerbating food inflation.

 

2. Supply Chain Disruptions - There is an increase in post-harvest losses due to rapid spoilage and inadequate cold storage facilities. Furthermore. water shortages affect irrigation, worsening the crisis for farmers reliant on groundwater resources.

 

3. Economic Burden on Farmers - Lower incomes due to reduced yields force farmers into financial distress, increasing reliance on government support schemes.

 

Policy Measures for Mitigating Heatwave Impacts

 

Recognizing the urgency of the crisis, the government has implemented multiple strategies to combat the rising frequency of heatwaves:

 

1. Climate Monitoring & Forecasting

• The IMD’s Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas helps state governments and disaster agencies prepare for extreme weather.

• Daily temperature monitoring, wind analysis, and humidity assessments provide crucial early warnings.

 

2. Early Warning & Public Awareness Systems

• Seasonal and monthly temperature forecasts alert communities in advance.

• IMD’s mobile applications like ‘MAUSAM,’ ‘Meghdoot,’ and ‘Damini’ provide real-time weather updates and lightning alerts.

• The ‘UMANG’ app integrates multiple weather services, making heatwave data more accessible.

 

3. Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in 23 States

• Implemented in collaboration with the NDMA, these plans focus on:

• Timely alerts to local administrations.

• Cooling centers for vulnerable populations.

• Work schedule adjustments for outdoor laborers.

 

4. Mitigation Through National Climate Initiatives

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans (SAPCCs) aim to address long-term heatwave causes.

• International Climate Collaborations (e.g., International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure) focus on reducing global carbon emissions.

 

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Resilience Against Heatwaves

 

While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, India needs long-term, structural interventions to effectively tackle heatwave risks:

 

1. Urban Heat Mitigation Strategies - Expanding green cover and urban forests to reduce heat absorption in cities and encouraging the use of cool roofing materials to lower indoor temperatures.

2. Strengthening Healthcare & Disaster Response - Mandatory heatwave preparedness plans for hospitals in high-risk areas. Additionally, a need to increasing NDRF-trained personnel for heat emergency responses.

3. Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture - Developing heat-resistant crop varieties through genetic research and sStrengthening cold storage infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.

 

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action

 

With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, India faces a growing public health and economic crisis. While government efforts in forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster management have been commendable, long-term solutions require deeper investments in urban planning, agriculture, and public health infrastructure.

 

As India strives for climate resilience, multi-sectoral action involving local governments, industries, and civil society is essential. Without proactive policy interventions, heatwaves will continue to disrupt livelihoods, strain public services, and undermine India’s broader development goals.

Data on prolonged heatwaves, particularly for five consecutive days or more, in the last five years in Odisha: