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India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
How climate change is worsening physical and mental stress in rural India
As the world turns its attention to carbon emissions and global temperature rise, a quieter yet devastating health crisis is unfolding in rural India, one that is deeply intertwined with climate change but rarely heat-induced strokes and kidney failures to growing mental distress, experts warn that the human cost of extreme weather, especially on women, is rising sharply."In the heart of rural India, the escalating heat is more than a discomfort, it's a silent crisis that is reshaping the health and well-being of entire families,' said Neeraja Kudrimoti, Lead, Climate Action at Transform Rural India, a development design RISING TEMPERATURES, RISING HEALTH RISKSIndia experienced its hottest February in over a century in 2023, and this year's summer has already seen heatwave warnings in multiple to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several districts faced temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius in May each passing summer, doctors are seeing a surge in strokes, particularly among outdoor workers. From heat-induced strokes and kidney failures to growing mental distress, experts warn that the human cost of extreme weather is rising sharply. (Photo: PTI) "Recurring heatwaves are triggering strokes even at young ages. In deep rural pockets, climate change is a felt reality, impacting livelihoods, bodies and minds," said Shyamal Santra, Associate Director, Health & Nutrition at Transform Rural are especially vulnerable. Kudrimoti explained how rural women, often involved in outdoor agricultural labour and caregiving at home, suffer disproportionately."The gendered impacts of heat stress are profound. Women often sacrifice their health and psycho-social well-being for the sake of their families," she added burden of fetching water, collecting firewood, and caring for the elderly under scorching conditions takes a heavy toll.A 2024 report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) revealed that 2.41 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat worldwide, of whom nearly 19,000 succumb health impacts of this exposure are many from heat stroke and exhaustion to heat rashes and physical injury to cardiovascular and kidney FAILURE AND WATER CRISISAccess to clean water is worsening. As water sources dry up or become saline, rural families are forced to rely on contaminated supplies."Chronic dehydration and high fluoride intake from poor water sources are contributing to rising cases of kidney failure," Santra issues are particularly alarming in drought-prone and flood-affected areas where water quality is a persistent challenge. As water sources dry up or become saline, rural families are forced to rely on contaminated supplies. () A recent study published in The Journal of Climate Change and Health, revealed that while climate change response efforts in cities are urgent, they often overshadow the "climate-sensitive health challenges in India's rural regions where residents endure severe heat and air pollution but have far fewer resources to adapt."MENTAL DISTRESS: THE SILENT SUFFERINGThe crisis doesn't end with physical health. Erratic weather and frequent crop failures are creating economic hardships, leading to climate-induced often move to cities in search of work, leaving women behind to bear the emotional and financial burdens alone. "This deepens anxiety, isolation and mental stress. It impacts the overall well-being of rural communities," said shared a striking observation from the field: "As a didi once said, cranky kids and unrealistic expectations from the woman in the house are a recipe for crisis – 'job not done, care half given'."'COOLING MUST BECOME A RIGHT'Most rural homes lack access to fans, let alone air-conditioning. The concept of cooling as a public health necessity is still absent in policy is time to recognise cooling as a fundamental right, a 'right to cool', essential for health, dignity, and gender equity," Kudrimoti stressed the suggested solutions like community cooling spaces, climate-resilient housing, widespread tree planting, and decentralised cooling technologies powered by renewable energy."We must centre women's voices in climate adaptation strategies to lift this hidden toll of heat," she said that beyond carbon, climate action is about people, strengthening local ecosystems, supporting women's collectives, and rooting solutions in dignity and India faces more frequent and intense heatwaves, it's important to recognise how climate change is affecting people, especially women, so that better solutions are made for Reel
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
On International Day of Families, discover four organisations driving change
Families are a core part of our evolving world. Supporting them through family-friendly policies is crucial to building stable and inclusive societies, according to the UN Women report 'Families in a Changing World.' Each year on May 15, we observe the International Day of Families to recognise the role families play in society and the challenges they face. In India, the concept of family continues to shape community life, offering support systems, emotional stability, and a foundation for cultural and ethical values. This framework has also enabled various non-profit organisations, local self-governments, and policymakers to implement effective grassroots initiatives. On this International Day of Families, explore four development organisations transforming rural India through their most effective family-centred approaches. An Overview: Transform Rural India (Neighbourhoods of Care) True to its motto, 'Grounded Solutions, Scalable Change,' Transform Rural India (TRI), envisions a rural India where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. Among the development designer's most impactful initiatives is Neighbourhoods of Care (NoC), a community-driven model that places people at the centre of healthcare governance. At the core of NoC is the idea of shared responsibility, especially through the active involvement of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Panchayati Raj Institutions and frontline health workers. By anchoring healthcare governance within local bodies like Jan Arogya Samitis, NoC strengthens community oversight and ensures that health services respond to local needs and everyday challenges. The model recognises that health outcomes are influenced not only by medical interventions but also by social, ecological, behavioural, and gender-related factors. It enables families to quietly shape these aspects through everyday attitudes, habits and support systems. NoC is built on the core idea of developing a strong support network that brings together community institutions and governance platforms to strengthen collective responsibility for health. This involves regular community dialogues, participatory health planning, and the active involvement of local leaders in monitoring services and addressing concerns. Smile Foundation (The Life-Cycle Approach) Founded in 2002 by Santanu Mishra and a group of like-minded professionals, Smile Foundation is an Indian development NGO that follows a holistic Life-Cycle Approach. Its programmes focus on family health, livelihoods, and women's empowerment, addressing the needs of children, their families, and the broader community. At its core is a family-centric model based on the understanding that individuals cannot thrive in isolation. By addressing the interconnected needs of all family members, the NGO works to build a support system where the family becomes a platform for lasting change. Its 'Health Cannot Wait' initiative delivers essential healthcare services to the doorstep of vulnerable communities, with special attention to women and children. Complementing this are awareness activities like school health camps and street plays, encouraging families and children to adopt preventive and health-seeking behaviours. Navjyoti India Foundation (Community Development) Navjyoti India Foundation, established in 1988, is a nonprofit organisation working in urban slums and rural areas across North India. Its mission is to prevent crime by addressing the underlying social issues of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and gender inequality. The foundation operates on the belief that lasting community change begins with empowered families. Its integrated model for community development is centred around the 6S framework: Sakshar, Saksham, Sashakt, Swachh, Swasth and Swavlambi. Through this framework, the foundation works to resolve long-standing social issues such as domestic violence, child marriage, family breakdown, and weakened community bonds. These challenges have shaped its approach to crime prevention, focusing on addressing root causes rather than symptoms. Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children India) Since 2004, Bal Raksha Bharat has been working across 16 states in India to ensure that children grow up in safe, nurturing environments. The NGO collaborates closely with government bodies at the national, state, and district levels to implement child welfare programmes. Its family-focused approach to disaster response and child protection emphasises preparedness, risk reduction, and long-term recovery. The organisation recognises that children are often the most vulnerable during humanitarian crises, facing risks such as family separation and various forms of abuse. Bal Raksha Bharat goes beyond immediate relief by maintaining ongoing support systems for affected children, ensuring continuity in care and protection throughout the recovery process.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
23-yr-old woman farmer breaks gender barrier, inspire communities
1 2 Ranchi: In Bero village, located on the Ranchi outskirts, 23-year-old Yamuna Kumari is leading a quiet revolution in farming. A postgraduate in geography from the Karamchand Bhagat College, Yamuna balances motherhood, education and a thriving agricultural career, all while breaking gender barriers and advocating for science-based farming the International Day of Plant Health being observed on May 12, Yamuna stands as a symbol of resilience, leadership and the transformative power of agro-scientific knowledge , proving that when empowered with education and tools, smallholder farmers can change their futures and inspire entire in an agricultural family, Yamuna has always been a part of farming throughout her life, and she worked alongside her parents from childhood. Despite their hard work, the traditional methods yielded little. Their five-acre land, growing mostly paddy, wheat and vegetables, could barely support them. "We used to rely on monsoons, local seeds and traditional techniques. It was a struggle every season," she changed in 2021 when Yamuna joined the Millionaire Farmer Development Programme (MFDP) run by Transform Rural India (TRI). Her potential was quickly recognised, and TRI helped establish a Farmer Field School (FFS) in her area. Equipped with modern tools and technologies for drip irrigation, polyhouses and trellis systems, Yamuna and other local farmers received hands-on training during the this newfound knowledge, Yamuna shifted to round-the-year, high-value farming . Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor Today, she has been able to produce a diverse range of crops, including mangoes, wheat, French beans, potatoes, grafted brinjal, strawberries, marigold, green peas, cauliflower, ginger and green chilli. She followed soil-based fertilisation, organic composting, crop rotation, and integrated pest management to improve both yield and plant health."With the training and support, I understood what it means to do the right farming at the right time. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo My crops are healthier, longer-lasting, and bring better returns," Yamuna said. She, however, suffered a setback in March when a hailstorm destroyed her French beans worth around Rs 2 lakh. Yet, she remained motivated. "Challenges will come, but scientific farming helps us recover faster and reduce risks in future," she annual income now ranges between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 11 lakh, with expenses from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. She is currently employing 10 workers and actively mentors other women in her village, encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices. She even bought a scooter to travel to markets and training sessions, symbolising her ahead, Yamuna is planning to start her own nursery, focusing on disease-free seedlings and horticultural innovation. Her message to smallholder farmers is clear: "Don't just rely on traditional crops. Add horticulture to your practice. It's scientific and smart farming."She added, "Farming is not just about working the land, it's about understanding it. When we farm with knowledge, we grow prosperity." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
