Amidst the scorching heatwave gripping Maharashtra, the state has recorded a concerning tally of 181 heat stroke cases over the months of April and May, raising alarms among health authorities and experts alike.
As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels, the adverse effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, posing significant challenges to public health and safety. While the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken proactive measures to address the impact of the intense heatwave on voters by constituting a task force, experts lament the absence of climate change discourse in the election dialogue. Despite India’s susceptibility to heatwaves in recent years, there remains a glaring gap in policies addressing heat-related emergencies and mitigating measures. Roxy Mathew Koll, a senior scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, emphasised the urgent need for policies that recognise heat as a critical parameter. He highlighted the lack of provisions for mitigating heat-related risks in various sectors, including education and labour, underscoring the necessity for tailored policies to adapt to the changing climate landscape.
The severity of the heatwave is evident from the prolonged spells of high temperatures, with mercury levels fluctuating between 42–45 degrees Celsius and even soaring to 47 degrees Celsius in some regions. April witnessed an extended heatwave period spanning up to 15 days, indicating a concerning trend of increased heatwave density, frequency, duration, and spatial coverage attributed to global warming. In response to the escalating heatwave crisis, health authorities have taken precautionary measures, including the establishment of medical first aid kits at polling stations ahead of polling in key constituencies. However, the rising incidence of heat stroke cases underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of heatwaves and protect public health in Maharashtra. According to Climate Central, a US-based research organisation, several major Indian cities have experienced prolonged periods of extreme heat, further highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the escalating climate crisis and its impact on public health and well-being.
