BS EDIT: India’s Heatwave Challenge: Time for Urgent Policy Action

By Business StandardPublished On May 1, 2025

Record-Breaking April

April 2024 was the hottest in 3 years, with the warmest night in 6

The heat crisis is intensifying

Heatstroke cases crossed 40,000 in 2023

Warnings Are Timely, Action Isn’t

Forecasts now predict 40°C+ temperatures in early April

But response mechanisms remain slow and uneven

Heat Plans Fall Short

100+ cities have Heat Action Plans

But most are reactive and non-binding, with poor enforcement

Health Systems Unready

Many hospitals lack capacity

Most doctors are unaware of heat-related protocols

Make Guidelines Mandatory

Voluntary rules don’t protect outdoor workers

Mandating protocols could save lives

Climate Policy Must Evolve

Power demand rose 11% this April

India needs faster solar adoption to cut fossil fuel reliance