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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report on extreme heatwave conditions across India and issued notices to the Centre, several states, and other authorities. In an order dated May 25, a Bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad noted that the latest IMD bulletin shows scorching maximum temperatures across northwest, west, central, and adjoining eastern and north-peninsular India, with the highest temperature recorded at 48°C in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. Delhi remains under heatwave conditions through May. The tribunal highlighted that heatwaves are among the most unrecognised disasters, affecting health, learning, productivity, and the economy. It called for a policy with region-specific strategies and adaptation planning, distinguishing between urban and rural heatwave conditions. The respondents include the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi government, and 12 states: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The next hearing is scheduled for August 18.
Heatwaves have been a recurring climate extreme in India, but their frequency, intensity, and duration have increased due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heatwave as a condition where the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas, and 30°C in hilly regions, with a departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C from normal. Historically, India has faced severe heatwaves, such as the 2015 event that caused over 2,500 deaths, primarily in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) released 'Heat Wave Guidelines' in 2016, focusing on early warning systems, public awareness, and health preparedness. The NGT has previously intervened in environmental issues like air pollution (e.g., Delhi stubble burning) and water pollution, but this is a notable instance of the tribunal addressing heatwaves as a disaster requiring adaptation strategies. The current order builds on the recognition that heatwaves are under-recognised, with the NGT emphasising the need for dedicated research, thermal mapping, and microplanning. The article notes that the issue is serious as it relates to climate change and anthropogenic activities, with temperatures likely to increase year after year, affecting water availability and other basic needs.
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3 JunPolitical & Constitutional Dimensions: The NGT's suo motu action reflects its proactive role under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, which empowers it to hear matters related to environmental issues. The government's position, as represented by the respondents, will need to demonstrate compliance with environmental laws and adaptation planning. Critics may argue that the NGT is overstepping its mandate by intervening in a disaster management issue, which falls under the purview of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and state disaster management authorities. However, the NGT's jurisdiction extends to any matter where environmental impact is involved, and heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, have clear environmental dimensions. The inclusion of 12 states highlights the federal nature of the issue, requiring coordination between the Centre and states. Constitutional provisions like Article 21 (right to life) and Article 48A (protection of environment) are relevant, as extreme heat can threaten life and well-being.
Economic & Financial Impact: The article notes that heatwaves impact the economy, though no specific figures are provided. Heatwaves reduce labour productivity, especially in sectors like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, leading to income losses. The NGT's call for adaptation strategies implies potential fiscal implications for states, such as investments in cooling centres, heat-resistant infrastructure, and early warning systems. Critics may point to the lack of dedicated funding for heatwave adaptation in current budgets, while proponents argue that proactive measures can reduce long-term economic costs from health impacts and productivity losses.
Social Dimensions: Heatwaves disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the poor, elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those without access to cooling. The NGT's emphasis on distinguishing between urban and rural heatwave conditions is crucial, as urban areas face the urban heat island effect, while rural areas may lack infrastructure. The article highlights impacts on health, learning (school closures), and productivity. Equity considerations arise, as low-income communities often live in poorly ventilated housing and lack resources to cope. The NGT's call for a dedicated research program and stronger support systems aims to address these disparities.
Governance & Administrative Aspects: Implementation challenges include the need for high-resolution thermal mapping, mobile temperature surveys, and open-access data, as noted by the NGT. Institutional capacity varies across states, with some like Gujarat having heat action plans, while others may lack preparedness. The NGT's order requires states to file affidavits, which could lead to a uniform framework. However, critics may question the tribunal's ability to enforce compliance, given the lack of a dedicated enforcement mechanism. The federalism dimension is significant, as heatwave management involves multiple ministries (Environment, Earth Sciences, Jal Shakti) and state governments, requiring coordination.
International Perspective: Heatwaves are a global phenomenon, with countries like the UK, Australia, and the US having heatwave warning systems and adaptation plans. The NGT's call for a dedicated research program aligns with global best practices, such as the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) guidelines on heat-health warning systems. India's commitments under the Paris Agreement to address climate change are relevant, as heatwaves are linked to global warming. The NGT's order indirectly supports India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and state-level climate action plans.
Short-term measures include immediate implementation of heat action plans in all states, with a focus on early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and provision of cooling centres and drinking water. The NGT's call for mobile temperature surveys and open-access data should be prioritised to identify hotspots. Medium-term reforms should involve the development of region-specific adaptation strategies, as emphasised by the NGT, distinguishing between urban and rural areas. This includes investing in green infrastructure (e.g., urban forests, cool roofs) and heat-resistant building materials. The government should establish a dedicated research program on heat risk, as suggested by the NGT, with collaboration between IMD, IITs, and universities. Long-term vision requires integrating heatwave adaptation into climate change policies, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs). International best practices, such as the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan (2013), which reduced mortality, should be scaled up. The NGT's order provides a legal framework to ensure accountability, and states should submit compliance reports by the next hearing on August 18.