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India Reels Under Record Heatwave: NGT Seeks Answers
29 May
Summary
- NGT seeks national response to extreme heat affecting health and economy.
- Highest recorded temperature reached 48°C in Banda, Uttar Pradesh.
- Short-term and long-term adaptation strategies are urgently required.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has demanded a response from the central government and multiple Indian states concerning the extreme heatwave conditions prevalent across the country. This action was prompted by the NGT taking suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report highlighting the severe impact of rising temperatures on public health, learning, and economic productivity.
The highest temperature recorded recently was 48°C in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, with Delhi also experiencing prolonged heatwave conditions. The tribunal stressed the necessity of developing region-specific adaptation strategies to address urban and rural heatwave impacts. A response detailing short-term and long-term plans to mitigate increasing temperatures due to climate change and human activities is required from all respondents.
The NGT highlighted the urgent need for dedicated research on heat risks, improved ground observations, thermal mapping, and accessible data. It underscored that area-specific microplanning is crucial as temperatures are expected to rise annually, affecting water availability and other essential needs.
