Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Introduce by defining heatwaves
• Highlight the factors responsible for intensified heatwaves in India
• Give mitigation strategies for heatwaves in Indian cities
• Conclude positively.

Introduction

Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, with temperatures significantly higher than the normal maximum for a particular region and time of year. As per IMD, the number of heatwave days in India has increased from 413 over 1981-1990 to 600 over 2011-2020.

Body

Factors Responsible for Intensified Heatwaves in India:

• Urban Heat Island Effect: Rapid urbanization and the expansion of cities have led to an increase in built-up areas, which absorb and retain more heat than natural landscapes. This creates urban heat islands, exacerbating the intensity of heatwaves in cities.
  • For example, Delhi and Mumbai have experienced higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas due to this effect.
• Deforestation and Loss of Green Cover: Deforestation and the reduction of green spaces in urban areas have diminished the natural cooling effects provided by vegetation.
  • The loss of green cover in cities like Bengaluru has contributed to an increase in heat wave intensity.
• Climate Change and Global Warming: Rising global temperatures due to climate change have increased the frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves in India.
• Lack of Preparedness and Adaptation Measures: Many Indian cities lack adequate preparedness and adaptation measures to cope with heatwaves.
  • Limited access to cooling infrastructure, inadequate early warning systems, and insufficient public awareness about heatwave risks contribute to the severity of their impacts. The lack of comprehensive heat action plans in many cities has left populations vulnerable.
• Anthropogenic Activities: Human activities, such as industrial processes, transportation, and energy consumption, generate waste heat and greenhouse gas emissions, further contributing to the urban heat island effect and global warming.
  • The severe heat wave in Delhi in 2024, with temperatures reaching over 49°C in some areas.

Mitigation Strategies for Heatwaves in Indian Cities:

• Heat-resistant Infrastructure: Promote the use of reflective materials for pavements and rooftops to reduce heat absorption.
• Urban Greening Initiatives: Developing urban forests, parks, and rooftop gardens to create natural cooling sinks.
  • Encourage vertical gardens on building facades to provide insulation and reduce ambient air temperature.
• Heat Action Plans: Develop and implement comprehensive heat action plans at the city level.
  • These plans should involve heat forecasting, real-time alerts, and outreach programs to educate citizens about heat-related illnesses and preventive measures.
• Vulnerable Population Outreach: Identify and target outreach programs towards vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those living in informal settlements who are more susceptible to heatstroke.
• Smart Grid Management: Implement smart grid technologies to optimize power distribution and reduce peak demand during heatwaves. This can help prevent power outages that exacerbate heat stress.

Conclusion

By adopting a holistic approach that combines urban planning, early warning systems, technological interventions, and community engagement, cities can build resilience and mitigate the devastating effects of heatwaves moving towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.