On India’s ‘heat action plans’

Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Disaster and disaster management

Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Heat waves management
– Global Warming
– Climate Change

Context
With rising temperatures, the efficacy of existing measures, such as Heat Action Plans (HAPs), in mitigating the adverse impacts of heatwaves has come under scrutiny.

Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 18^th April 2024

Table of Contents

As temperatures soar across India, the onset of heat alerts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in February has raised concerns about the country’s preparedness for the impending heatwave season. While HAPs outline strategies to address heat-related challenges, their effectiveness in tackling the multifaceted nature of heatwaves remains a subject of debate.

Heat Action Plans

Heat Action Plans (HAPs) serve as the primary policy response to mitigate the economic and life-threatening impacts of heatwaves.

These plans are formulated at the state, district, and city levels, aiming to address both short-term and long-term challenges posed by heatwaves.
Short-term measures outlined in HAPs include raising public awareness about heatwaves and coordinating efforts among different departments such as healthcare and agriculture.
Long-term strategies focus on infrastructure improvements like installing cool roofs, enhancing green cover, and implementing water harvesting structures to mitigate the impact of heatwaves and prepare for future occurrences.

Issues with HAP’s

Localized Definition of Heatwaves:
- Current national thresholds for heatwave declarations may not capture localized variations in temperature, humidity, and urban heat island effects.
Inconsistent Vulnerability Assessments:
- Existing vulnerability assessments in Heat Action Plans (HAPs) lack consistency and robustness.
Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations:
- HAPs prioritize vulnerable populations but lack tailored interventions considering local socio-economic factors.
Allocation of Resources:
- Inconsistent implementation of HAPs due to varied priorities and limited financing at local levels.
Integration and Coordination:
- HAPs operate in isolation with hindering broader climate adaptation efforts.
Emphasis on Long-Term Solutions:
- HAPs primarily focus on infrastructure development, with limited consideration for nature-based solutions.

Way Ahead

Expansion of Heatwave Definitions:
- Heatwave definitions should encompass factors beyond temperature, such as humidity and urban infrastructure, and be tailored to local contexts at State, district, and city levels.
Climate Risk Assessment:
- Robust climate risk assessments are needed to identify heatwave likelihood, assess exposure, and prioritize interventions.
- Hotspot Mapping: Utilization of geospatial data for hotspot mapping can facilitate targeted interventions in vulnerable areas.
Tailored Strategies for Vulnerable Populations:
- Interventions must address diverse socio-economic needs, especially for informal workers, children, and the elderly, and consider infrastructure disparities.
Dedicated Budget Allocation:
- Dedicated budget allocation for HAPs is essential to ensure effective implementation, along with dialogue between stakeholders to support informal workers during heatwaves.
Integration with Resilience Plans:
- Integration of HAPs with urban resilience and climate adaptation plans can optimize resource allocation and improve monitoring systems.
Emphasis on Nature-Based Solutions:
- Integration of nature-based solutions, such as green and blue spaces, is crucial for effective heatwave mitigation in hotspots.

Conclusion

As India confronts the escalating threat of heatwaves, strengthening the effectiveness of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) is paramount to safeguarding public health and enhancing climate resilience.

Related Topics

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body for disaster management in India. It was established in 2005 under the Disaster Management Act.

The NDMA is responsible for laying down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management. It also coordinates the response to natural and man-made disasters.

Key functions of the NDMA:

Laying down policies on disaster management.
Approving the National Plan for Disaster Management.
Approving plans prepared by Ministries or Departments of the Government of India for disaster management.
Laying down guidelines to be followed by State Governments for drawing up State Plans.
Coordinating the enforcement and implementation of the National Plan and the State Plans.
Recommending provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation and preparedness measures.
Promoting research in the field of disaster management.
Creating public awareness about disaster preparedness and mitigation.

References

NDMA

Related PYQ

Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.[ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2013]

Practice Question

Suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of Heat Action Plan (HAPs). [250 words]

How to approach this question?

Introduction (50 words):

Start by briefly explaining what Heat Action Plans (HAPs) are.
Mention their importance in the context of increasing global temperatures and climate change.

Body (150 words):

Improved Forecasting Systems: Emphasize the need for accurate and timely weather forecasting systems to predict heatwaves. This can enable authorities to take necessary precautions in advance.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Stress on the importance of educating the public about the dangers of heatwaves and the precautions to be taken.
Capacity Building: Discuss the need for training healthcare workers to deal with heat-related illnesses and emergencies.
Infrastructure Development: Talk about the role of infrastructure such as cooling centers and green spaces in mitigating the effects of heatwaves.
Policy Integration: Highlight the need for integrating HAPs with urban planning and development policies.

Conclusion (50 words):

Conclude by reiterating the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of HAPs in the face of global warming and climate change.
Mention that the success of these plans depends on the collective efforts of the government, healthcare system, and the public.

Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!

On India’s ‘heat action plans’