Context – A Recent high level meeting by the Prime minister following the review of the heatwave preparedness report by the Centre for policy research on “ How is India adapting to heatwaves” indicates the poor preparedness of the country to face heat waves.
What is HAP?
- The heat wave action plan refers to a primary policy response to address the economic damage and life threatening challenges brought about by heat waves.
- They present long- term action plans to enhance preparedness , response- coordination and information sharing to reduce the impact of heat on the health of vulnerable populations.
- As extreme heat poses unprecedented challenges to health and productivity . These plans are essential to address heatwaves (prolonged periods of extreme heat) that have aggravated due to recent climate change.
- Some landmark heat waves have been in 1998, 2002, 2010, 2015, and 2022).
- It describes the activities, disasters response and post heat wave response measures to reduce the impact of heat waves.
- The government across several states have created HAPs. In India the National disaster management authority (NDMA) and the Indian meteorological department (IMD) work to analyze and develop the 37 heat wave action plans proposed by 18 states.
- These plans prescribe preparatory activities and post heat wave response measures.
- The HAPs carry out vulnerability assessment that involves systematic study to locate which category of people and which city, district or state is more likely to be affected.
- The HAP lists vulnerable groups that include the elderly, outdoor workers, pregnant women.
Effects of Heatwaves
- Increases respiration and mortality, reduces fertility, increases susceptibility to diseases, affects the immune and endocrine system and modifies animal behavior.
- Large death tolls among humans and livestock.
- Extensive economic damage due to reduced labor productivity.
- Insufficient water availability for agriculture, increased food insecurity and other energy crises.
Problems with HAPs
Most of the heat wave action plans are not meant for local contexts. Many have failed to identify target vulnerable groups. The plans have weak legal foundations, are insufficiently transparent and have funding constraints.
Way Forward
With global temperatures aggravated by climate change and urban heat island effect, heat waves are a serious environmental and health concern. Heat wave action plans, their proper assessment and implementation is the need of the hour.
The Ahmedabad Heatwave Action Plan of 2013 was a great success reducing heat wave related deaths by 25%. Hence we need more such robust plans by joint effort of the state and central government and other departments concerned.
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