India’s ‘heat trap’ cities make summers worse, says government official

Sub: Economy

Sec: Monetary Policy

Unbalanced Urban Growth:

Indian cities are becoming “heat traps” due to unbalanced growth, reducing water bodies, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Wetlands and water bodies have diminished, and permeable spaces have decreased significantly.

Scorching Summer Impact:

India faces an intense summer, with dozens of deaths reported.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts above-normal temperatures for June in northwest and central regions, including Delhi, marking one of the longest heatwave spells.
Delhi’s daily temperatures have stayed above 40°C since May 12, with a forecasted drop below this mark only on June 26.
On a recent day, Delhi recorded 44°C, but it felt like 49.2°C due to the heat index.
Climate change and urban development are key factors in rising temperatures.
Cities experience heat retention, making nights almost as hot as days.
Study Findings
A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shows that night temperatures in cities cooled less between 2014-2023 compared to 2001-2010, with a reduction in cooling by up to 7°C.
Hot nights pose significant health risks as they prevent recovery from daytime heat.

Heat Action Plans:

To manage and mitigate the impact of heatwaves, which are increasing in frequency and severity, India employs Heat Action Plans (HAPs).
These plans are developed at state, district, and city levels with the collaboration of the National Disaster Management Authority and the IMD.
Currently, 23 states are involved in developing these plans, though no centralized database of HAPs exists.
Plans typically include a heat profile of the region, historical data on heat waves, and a vulnerability assessment to identify high-risk areas.
They also outline detailed response strategies to be implemented before, during, and after heatwave events and define the roles of various governmental departments, such as disaster management, labour departments, and police, in managing the heatwave response.

What do the HAPs recommend?

Heat Action Plans (HAPs) recommend a multifaceted approach to manage and mitigate the effects of heat waves. Key recommendations include:
- Early Warning and Communication
- Public Education
- Establishing heat shelters and cooling centers, and ensuring the availability of clean drinking water to prevent dehydration.
- Healthcare Preparedness
- Implementing long-term urban planning strategies that include tree planting, using heat-resistant building materials, and applying cool roofing technologies to minimize the urban heat island effect and reduce indoor temperatures.

Source: TH