Madhya Pradesh need heatwave action plan

As per Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation’s action plan for Bhopal District, warm days have increased by 10% and may go up by 35% of the present climate, as the city has seen an accelerated trend in the last two decades. The nights would be warmer too. 

As April begins, the heat is intensifying, causing the mercury to soar in the afternoons in Bhopal, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. People have started avoiding going out on the streets during these hot afternoons. However, this scorching heat wave isn't confined to the state capital alone. According to the warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department, the upcoming summer season is expected to be significantly hotter for the State as compared to 2023, with an anticipated increase in the frequency of heat waves.

According to data released by the government, from 1992 to 2015, there have been 24,223 deaths due to heat waves. According to other data, between 2011 and 2018, 6,187 people died due to heat stress.

Dr Divya, a scientist at the Meteorological Center in Bhopal, points out that the impact of heatwaves has escalated each year over the past five years. 

"Increasing global temperatures have led to a rise in both the frequency and intensity of heatwaves," she explains. “Previously, heatwaves would typically last for just one or two days, followed by a period of respite. However, such breaks are now seldom observed, she adds.

Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju, in a reply given in the House in December 2023, said that 23 states of India are vulnerable to heatwaves. These states were responsible for making heat action plans at the state and district level by the central government.

“The temperature and weather of every city is different. Therefore, every city is affected differently by heat waves. Therefore, every city needs to have a heat action plan.”, opines Dr Divya.

No heat wave action plan yet

Currently, Madhya Pradesh lacks such a comprehensive plan to tackle heatwaves. This results in poor coordination between departments. While the Municipal Corporation installs water ponds, the state lacks a plan to implement cooling systems like Cool Roof statewide or in districts. Moreover, city administrations are unaware of which areas are most affected by heat waves. When questioned, Municipal Corporation officials stated that all parts are affected, but slums with tin sheds are more vulnerable than huts with AC rooms. Furthermore, amidst increasing urbanization and deforestation, sustainable methods of building cooling centres are becoming scarce.

In 2010, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, suffered a severe heatwave, resulting in approximately 1344 additional deaths. In response, the city formulated a heatwave action plan in 2013. According to the Ahmedabad Municipality, this plan saved the lives of 2380 people. 

“The Heatwave Action Plan not only outlines the responsibilities of various departments during heat waves but also mandates their fulfilment,” explains Dr Divya 

"Madhya Pradesh’s heat action plan is nearly finalized. However, its issuance is pending approval from other relevant departments," explains Saurabh Kumar–Deputy Director of Madhya Pradesh State Disaster Management. "Currently, we only have an 'advisory' from the disaster management department in the form of a 'plan.' It's important to note that this advisory serves as instructions to all departments for their preparedness," he adds.

Exposing the state's careless approach toward heatwaves, a municipal corporation employee disclosed that in his office, they don't take the advisory seriously until people start dying from the heat.

Why is a heatwave action plan important?

Even with the advisory, the heat wave action plan outlines the duties of various departments and ensures their implementation.

Ahmedabad implemented its Heat Wave Action Plan in three phases. Firstly, a nodal officer was appointed to oversee the heat alert system and coordinate between different departments. In the second phase, the concerned departments were directed to take the necessary steps outlined in the plan. Lastly, assistance was provided to cool the homes of marginalized people through programs like Cool Roof. Additionally, primary health officers, para-medical staff, and community health workers received training to alleviate pressure on hospitals during heatwaves.

What are heat waves?

Heatwaves are characterized by intense, hot winds occurring during extremely high temperatures. However, what constitutes 'extremely hot' weather varies across different regions of India –including plains, coastal areas, and mountainous regions. In the plains of India, temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius are considered indicative of a heatwave, accompanied by hot winds. For coastal areas, this threshold is slightly lower at 37 degrees Celsius, while in hilly areas, it is 30 degrees Celsius.

If the temperature is above the mentioned criteria, in at least two stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days, then on the second day ‘heatwave’ would be alerted

Urban Development's Connection to heatwaves

By the year 2030, it's estimated that the population residing in India's cities will reach 590 million, with greenhouse gas emissions from urban areas in India continuously rising. Currently, cities endure Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. To understand it in simple words, concrete absorbs the energy received from the sun instead of reflecting it into the atmosphere. This increases the temperature further. 

Emphasising the issue, Saurabh Kumar, states, "According to estimates, by the middle of this century, the average temperature of Indore is projected to increase by 1.3 degrees compared to the present, while for Gwalior, this figure stands at 1.5 degrees." In such circumstances, addressing heat waves becomes a significant concern for cities. The majority of the working population in cities is directly exposed to hot weather, and consequently, is directly affected by heatwaves,” he adds.

While the cities expand, and remain focused on concrete-based construction, things are unlikely to change. Furthermore, policy-wise the governments have to push for efficient public transport in the cities to reduce emissions significantly. In the city of Bhopal, almost 70% is contributed by transport. With the advent of the Metro in the city and possible e-buses, things might change for food. With rising temperatures, a lack of heatwave action plans is a cause of concern.

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