Latest news with #HeatActionPlan
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
SC seeks govt reply on plea for heatwave rules
The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the response of the Centre and states on a petition seeking nationwide regulations to prevent heatwave deaths involving unorganised workers and children who are the worst sufferers. SC seeks govt reply on plea for heatwave rules A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai issued notice on a petition filed by a Delhi-based lawyer Adil Sharfuddin, who gathered data of heatwave deaths in the past few years from government sources; the data indicated 730 heatwave deaths in 2024. Senior advocate MR Shamshad appearing for the petitioner said that in April this year, the Rajasthan high court took suo motu cognizance of heatwave deaths and urged the Centre to declare a national emergency when it is very hot; that came when several cities in north India were reeling under temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. Shamshad said that the proceedings in the high court have closed and there is no way to elicit a response from Centre on whether it intends to come out with heat protection regulations with enforceable obligations on employers and the state to provide for flexible work hours, sufficient hydration, shaded areas or rest shelters and medical kits during extreme heatwave days. The petition also sought a Heat Action Plan to be introduced by states to mitigate the effect of heatwave conditions. The bench, also comprising justices K Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi, directed the matter to be heard after four weeks. Heatwaves fall within the definition of 'disaster' as per Section 2(d) of the Disaster Management Act, the petition said, and the NDMA, under section 3 of the Act, is mandated to lay down policies, guidelines and plans for reducing risk of heatwave deaths, it added. While NDMA issued non-binding guidelines in 2016 and 2019 on heatwave management, the petition demanded mandatory regulations for uniform compliance across all states.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Flash mode resumed at 20 key intersections in Lucknow to ease traffic during peak heat hours
With temperatures soaring in the city, the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) has resumed flash mode at 20 major intersections to provide commuters relief from long waits at signals during peak afternoon heat. From 1 pm to 4 pm, traffic lights at these junctions will switch to blinking yellow, allowing vehicles to proceed with caution rather than waiting for green signals. Deputy commissioner of police (trafic) Kamlesh Dixit confirmed the initiative, stating, 'This initiative has been restarted at 20 major junctions, just like last year, to ease movement during the hottest part of the day.' The intersections include Kapoorthala, Puraniya, Ambedkar Park, Hahnemann, Manoj Pandey Chauraha, Sapru Marg, Kathauta, and Gwari crossings, among others. This measure is part of the broader Heat Action Plan, aimed at reducing commuter inconvenience during sweltering afternoon hours. Officials believe that cutting down on idle time at signals—particularly when traffic is light—will not only improve flow but also protect citizens from heat-related risks like sunstroke and exhaustion. 'This move not only enhances comfort for drivers but also contributes to smoother traffic flow during low-congestion hours,' Dixit added, noting that more junctions could be included based on real-time traffic assessments. A Lucknow Smart City official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the ITMS is being implemented under the Smart City project, with the Traffic Police as its user. 'The control room under ITMS continuously monitors vehicle flow and activates flash mode based on live conditions and traffic patterns at specific intersections across the city,' he added. The official also mentioned that ITMS manages around 44 key intersections in the city, all equipped with cameras and smart traffic lights under centralised control. The flash mode strategy was first introduced in 2024 and received positive feedback. At the time, then-municipal commissioner and CEO of the Lucknow Smart City project, Inderjit Singh, launched the initiative to enhance road convenience during the summer months. Initially applied to 21 junctions, the number has since been optimised based on traffic trends and public feedback. Significantly, the ITMS system is equipped with smart sensors and cameras that assess real-time congestion. When traffic is heavy, standard signal cycles resume. If roads are relatively clear, flash mode is triggered to avoid unnecessary stops. Authorities have assured that the adaptive system will remain in place throughout the summer, with regular assessments to identify additional intersections for inclusion. Though seemingly minor in scale, the move underscores increasing attention to climate-responsive urban traffic management and commuter well-being in Lucknow as summer temperatures continue to rise.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Focus on ward weather stns, clean air zones, AC temp as Kol launches climate action plan
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: In a defining moment for the city's sustainability goals, mayor Firhad Hakim on Thursday unveiled final draft of Kolkata Climate Action Plan (KCAP), calling it "not just a climate action plan but a survival plan for the city and its future generation". Dedicating it to the citizens of Kolkata, the mayor stressed the urgency of its successful implementation to safeguard the city's future against the growing climate risks. KCAP recommended implementation of ward-wise hyper-local weather stations, and upgraded disaster shelters to improve resilience against extreme weather events like cyclones and floods. The plan also includes a hyper-local early warning system, clean air zones based on hyper-local ambient air quality monitoring, and climate-smart slums by redesigning slums with a lot of green spaces. Prepared through collaboration between global and local climate experts and advocacy groups such as EnGIO (Environment Governed Integrated Organisation) and CANSA (Climate Action Network South Asia), KCAP includes 60 sector-specific recommendations, of which 30 have been prioritised for urgent, evidence-based implementation. "This is a set of self-imposed obligations with strict deadlines we have to live by," said KMC commissioner Dhaval Jain, referring to the plan's time-bound rollout. "This is a climate plan that targets emission reduction, inclusivity, and evidence-backed interventions," said Sujata Basu of EnGIO. Sanjay Vashist of CANSA said the recommendations align with global best practices while addressing Kolkata's unique vulnerabilities. With climate challenges looming large, Kolkata's ambitious plan seeks not only to mitigate emissions but also adapt its infrastructure and communities to the realities of a warming world. The KCAP draft will be available on its dedicated website for stakeholders' deliberations for two months. It encompasses several transformative actions like Heat Action Plan (HAP). Recognising Kolkata's status as one of the world's most heat-vulnerable cities, the plan includes city-wide temperature, humidity monitoring, green infrastructure, shaded intersections, reflective roads, and "heat units" in hospitals. A formal K-HAP is proposed by 2026, with full implementation by 2030. Climate-smart slums are envisaged through pilot projects for solarisation, green spaces, and heat-resilient housing. Air conditioning control, a city-level AC temperature policy, is proposed to cap indoor temperatures at 22–24°C. Clean air zones & monitoring are planned to combat rising pollution. Urban mobility and decongestion will be planned with dedicated cycle tracks, no-vehicle streets, and pedestrian-friendly zones. Green infrastructure mapping will focus on mapping of trees, parks, and water bodies. Water management and decentralised waste processing have also been given priority.
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
97% Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad vendors received no govt alerts during heatwaves: Study
A recent study has revealed that a huge majority of vendors in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad received no government alerts during heatwaves, exposing the health risk posed by the community. The two-year survey conducted on 400 vendors examined exposure, coping methods, and financial losses due to rising temperatures. According to the study by FLAME University in Pune, 97 per cent of street vendors in Pune and 97.5 per cent said they were unaware of any heat wave warning by authorities highlighting the devastating impact on health and safety. PCMC vendors reported more sweating, exhaustion, and illness, while vendors in Pune found it harder to rest, drink water, or sit, according to the study by Prof Prasad Pathak, Dr Sheeva Dubey, and environment activist Yuvraj Gatkal. The survey said over half the vendors work without shade, fearing eviction if they install covers. In Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), only 15 per cent have access to toilets, and less than 20 per cent to drinking water. Financial losses were high as PCMC vendors lost an average of Rs 7,878 per month and PMC vendors lost Rs 5,240. These include spoilage of goods, fewer customers, and reduced working capacity. The study found 77 per cent of vendors lost income due to heat, higher than Delhi's 50 per cent reported in a 2023 Greenpeace survey. 'We don't want to just share data, we want action,' said Dr Dubey, while calling for for local warning systems and joint action by PMC and PCMC. Prof Pathak said, 'We need clarity not just on paper, but on the ground.' He also flagged the lack of funds and weak implementation. Yuvraj Gatkal said the Hawkers' Plaza model needs review. 'Plans must begin from real conditions,' he said. He added that flexibility and community role are missing. One participant demanded one toilet and tap for every 10 vendors at vending zones with 15 or more workers. Dr Anand Phadke from Jan Aarogya Abhiyaan urged for training on early symptoms, water, salt as vendors face high health risks. 'Authorities must track temperature and act,' he said. Sunil Bhadekar, PMC Town Vending Committee member, said, 'Vendors pay the most, get the least. Even basic spacing isn't provided. The system exists, but vendors are ignored.' PMC official from Environment Department Ashwini Yadav said the issue is serious and would be duly addressed. 'This is not the end, but a start. We will identify the vulnerable and respond.' Sanjay Shanke of the National Hawkers Federation added, 'Vendors are not victims. They are partners. Include them in planning.' Criticising the PCMC Heat Action Plan of 2024, experts have pointed to the lack of focus on workers' health and labour. They said though key issues were noted, no specific action for outdoor workers was taken and hawkers continued working without any cooling centres and community role. As heat and inequality rise, calls get louder to make vendors part of city-level climate plans from water to warnings, space to policy.
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Five things India needs to do to combat heatwave
Written by Neeraj Singh Manhas With temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius (113°F) hitting many parts of the country, heatwaves have become a public health and economic emergency. The lack of dedicated infrastructure for heatwaves puts millions at risk of death, heatstroke and dehydration. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme heat, India must act swiftly to establish a robust, nationwide heatwave mitigation framework. Geographically, the country is a heatwave hotspot. More than 80 per cent of the country sees extreme heat between March and June, with northern and central states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, consistently hitting over 40 degrees Celsius. Urban centres such as Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chennai become heat sinks, and the heat gathers momentum on the concrete-heavy skyline thanks to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. In rural zones, there's no relief either. A 2023 Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) study forecasts that heatwaves will become 30 per cent more frequent and severe by 2050, with each one lasting longer and arriving earlier. Without infrastructure to counter these conditions, the toll on human health can be and is devastating. Heatstroke, organ failure, and cardiovascular strain disproportionately afflict the elderly, children, and low-income communities, who lack access to cooling or medical care. The socioeconomic implications are also troubling. Heatwaves threaten the livelihood of India's huge outdoor workforce. Over 40 per cent of the population comprises construction workers, farmers, street vendors, food delivery partners, and rickshaw pullers. In 2022, India lost an estimated $100 billion from heat-induced productivity losses. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), small businesses and the informal economy suffer a disproportionate impact. As soils dry and irrigation systems splutter, farmers confront crop failures and food security is endangered. And as cities strain to meet skyrocketing demand for air-conditioning, their power grids are faltering, with blackouts crippling hospitals, schools and other civic institutions. In 2024, Delhi reported over 200 heatwave-related deaths in a single week, with hospitals overwhelmed and morgues running out of space. These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of systemic unpreparedness. India has precedents to build on. The National Disaster Management Authority's heatwave guidelines, updated in 2019, provide a framework, but their implementation is patchy. States like Odisha, which revolutionised cyclone preparedness with shelters and early warnings, offer a model for heatwave resilience. Ahmedabad's Heat Action Plan, launched in 2013 (also updated in 2019), reduced heat-related mortality by 30 per cent through simple measures like cool roofs and public water distribution. Scaling these successes requires political will, funding, and coordination across central and state governments. Public-private partnerships can accelerate progress. Private firms could supply cooling technologies, while NGOs could manage community outreach. International funding, such as climate adaptation grants, could offset costs, given India's outsized exposure to climate impacts. What does a national heatwave infrastructure look like? First, cooling centres within reach of everyone need to be set up in every town, city, and rural area. The shelters, with water, shade, fans and simple medical services — provided by a local ambulance service — would be a resource to use during intense heat. Ahmedabad's cooling centres prevented many deaths during the 2023 heatwave, but the facilities are rare elsewhere. Second, we need urban planning that prioritises heat-resilient design. The widespread use of reflective roofs, better ventilation, and green spaces outdoors can also do much to bring down outdoor temperatures. These can reduce ambient temperatures significantly. Yet, cities like Delhi, with a meagre 23 per cent tree cover, lag behind global standards. Planting heat-tolerant trees and creating urban forests should be a national priority to combat heat island effects. Third, early warning systems, which are already working for states like Gujarat and Odisha, must be replicated on a nationwide scale. The early warning systems that rely on weather forecasts to give a heat alert should be complemented by public awareness campaigns in native languages to inform the people of the risks of extreme heat and how to prevent them. Mobile apps and SMS alerts can work in rural areas, but they require investment in digital infrastructure. Fourth, cheap cooling systems are important for low-income households. Subsidised fans, evaporative coolers or community cooling stations could help close the gap for the approximately 88 per cent of Indian households that lack access to air conditioning, according to a survey conducted in 2021. Finally, the healthcare sector needs to be ready for a heatwave, with trained staff, plentiful supplies and well-thought-out protocols to deal with the conditions, and patients with heat-related illnesses. Hospitals regularly run out of oral rehydration salts and IV fluids during the worst heat. Building a national heatwave infrastructure is not just a policy choice, it is a moral and economic imperative. The time to act is now, before the next summer scorches more lives and livelihoods. The writer is special advisor for South Asia at the Parley Policy Initiative, Republic of Korea. He is a regular commentator on water security and transboundary river issues in India and South Asia. Views are personal
