Question

In the wake of global warming and climate change, the intensity of heat waves has increased in India in recent years. Discuss major socioeconomic and ecological problems emanating from Heatwave. Also, suggest risk reduction measures.

Answer 1

Approach:

• Define what is a heatwave.
• Socio-economic and ecological impacts Mitigating measures

Heatwave:

• World Meteorological Organization defines a heatwave as five or more consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees Celsius.
• If the maximum temperature of any place continues to be more than 45° C consecutively for two days, it is called a heat wave condition.
• Heat wave is also called a “silent disaster” as it develops slowly and kills and injures humans and animals nationwide.
• In India, heat waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July.
• Heatwaves are more frequent over the Indo-Gangetic plains of India.

Socioeconomic Impacts:

• Heat disorders like Sunburns, Heat cramps and heat stroke, Heat exhaustion reduces labour productivity in the north and western India.
• Prolonged severe heat wave conditions may cause serious problems to water supply, cause moisture stress in the soil and adversely affect agriculture production in water-scarce states such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana etc.

Ecological problems:
It increases the frequency of Forest fires, Desertification, Degradation of Aquatic ecosystems, loss of biodiversity thus affecting forest-based Industries, Fisheries.

Heat wave risk reduction measures:

• Early warning system and inter- agency coordination –Temperature forecasts and heat alerts will must send as bulk messages on mobile phones
• Medical up-gradation and administrative measures –Heat treatment wings planned in hospitals, and heat alerts would trigger early morning shifts for schools and offices.
• Public Awareness and community outreach –Disseminating public awareness messages on how to protect against the extreme heat-wave through electronic, print as well as social media, and IEC materials.
• Collaboration with NGOs and civil society organizations –to improve bus stands, building temporary shelters, wherever necessary, improved water delivery systems in public areas and other innovative measures to tackle Heatwave conditions.
• Assessing the impact –feedback for reviewing and updating the plan for heat wave disaster risk reduction.