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The study points out that extreme heat does not affect all districts or communities equally. Rural districts in Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar—where large populations work
outdoors in agriculture or construction—are among the most vulnerable. These areas face compounding risks from both heat exposure and socio-economic factors such as poor healthcare access
and higher prevalence of chronic diseases. The analysis also notes that dense and rapidly urbanising districts—especially those with expanding built-up areas like Pune, Gurugram, and
Mysuru—are becoming heat hotspots. According to Aakash Shrivastava from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, data on heat stroke cases remains sparse due to the absence of electronic
systems capturing doctor-patient interactions. “Heat stroke is a diagnosis based on clinical judgement, with no specific lab markers. This makes data collection difficult,” he said. However,
advances under the National Digital Health Mission and platforms like the International Health Information Platform are improving reporting and transmission. “Thresholds identified in
cities like Ahmedabad now serve as early indicators for heat-related deaths,” he added. The report says, “India could lose the equivalent of 35 million full-time jobs and see a 4.5% GDP
reduction by 2030 due to heat-related productivity losses.” Despite growing risks, the report finds that 95% of existing Heat Action Plans (HAPs) do not include detailed heat vulnerability
assessments. This makes it challenging for local authorities to prioritise actions or access funding. “India has made important strides with HAPs, but now needs to integrate granular risk
data,” Chitale added. “States like Maharashtra and Odisha are pioneering this approach, but others must follow.” The Ministry of Home Affairs, in 2024, made heatwaves eligible for funding
under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund, a critical policy shift. The CEEW report urges states where over 50% of districts fall in the high-risk category to formally notify heatwaves as
state-specific disasters. This would unlock an additional 10% of funds from the State Disaster Response Fund. The report also recommends scaling affordable, climate-smart solutions like cool
roofs, net-zero cooling shelters, parametric heat insurance, and ward-level early warning systems. CEEW is already working to support the development of 50 such localised heat action plans,
aiming to reach 300 by 2027. Akhil Srivastava of the India Meteorological Department noted that while heatwaves are not new, anomalies have been increasing. “In 2010, we recorded 578
heatwave days; this dropped for a decade, then spiked again to 455 days in 2022 and 536 in 2024,” he said. He attributed some of the spikes to El Niño conditions. “But intensity matters more
than count—2015 saw high deaths with only 161 heatwave days. Other aggravating factors often worsen the toll on the public.” In Tamil Nadu, this urgency is being felt acutely. “Heat coupled
with high humidity causes severe thermal discomfort,” said Sudha Ramen, member of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission. “The urban heat island effect is spreading. Forest fires are
rising, energy demand is surging, and vulnerable populations are increasingly at risk. This calls for collective action and greater sensitisation on heat mitigation.”