The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) finds itself grappling with soaring temperatures, culminating in tragic consequences as a 16-year-old girl reportedly succumbed to heatstroke in Vikramgad taluka of Palghar district.
This unfortunate incident sheds light on the severe heatwave conditions prevalent in the region, where temperatures have been consistently ranging between 36-38°C, posing significant risks to public health and safety. According to recent data from the health department, Maharashtra has recorded 82 cases of heatstroke between March 1 and April 15, marking a notable increase compared to the same period last year when the state registered 373 cases. These figures underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to address the escalating heatwave crisis and mitigate its adverse effects on vulnerable populations.
The tragic demise of the teenage girl, Ashwini Ravate, highlights the dire consequences of prolonged exposure to extreme heat conditions. Despite returning home from college in the early afternoon, she was found unconscious in a field hours later, succumbing to heatstroke. While the exact cause of her death remains uncertain due to the absence of an autopsy, the incident underscores the urgency of implementing robust heatwave management strategies to safeguard public health. In response to criticism regarding the perceived delay in issuing heatwave warnings, officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified the criteria for issuing such alerts. According to the standard operating procedure (SOP), heatwave warnings are issued when temperatures are expected to reach 37°C at coastal stations, accompanied by significant departures from normal temperatures. However, challenges arise in regions like Mumbai, where temperature variations between observatories can complicate the forecasting process.
Furthermore, the impact of rising temperatures extends beyond human health, affecting wildlife and ecosystems as well. Recent rescue efforts by the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and the Mumbai range of the forest department resulted in the successful retrieval of 37 distressed animals, birds, and reptiles suffering from dehydration and sunstroke. This underscores the interconnectedness of environmental factors and emphasises the need for comprehensive mitigation strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by heatwaves in the MMR. As the region grapples with the adverse effects of climate change-induced heatwaves, there is an urgent need for collaborative efforts involving government agencies, environmental organisations, and the public to implement proactive measures aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and safeguarding community well-being in the face of rising temperatures.
