A recent report highlights that India’s Union Budget has yet to acknowledge extreme heat as a distinct public health and livelihood crisis. The findings suggest that despite increasing temperatures and the risks posed by Super El Niño, a dedicated national framework for heatwave preparedness, response, adaptation, or resilience is missing.
The report’s analysis indicates a significant gap between the growing threat of extreme heat and the budgetary allocations and policy considerations in India. The absence of a specific national scheme for heatwave management leaves the country vulnerable to the impacts of rising temperatures.
This lack of dedicated focus comes at a time when the severity and frequency of heatwaves are increasing. Such events pose substantial risks to public health, potentially leading to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Furthermore, extreme heat significantly impacts livelihoods, particularly for those working outdoors in sectors like agriculture and construction.
The report implicitly calls for a more robust and proactive approach from the government in addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by extreme heat. It suggests that a standalone national framework is necessary to effectively prepare for, respond to, and build resilience against future heatwave events.
Source: Down To Earth