Lok Sabha Question No. 2371 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-21
Subject: Rising Temperature
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Diya Kumari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2371

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 21 ST  DECEMBER, 2022

## RISING TEMPERATURE

## 2371.   MS. DIYA KUMARI:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Ministry has conducted any study on the rise in temperature in the country, especially during the summer season;
- (b) if so, the details with respect to the rising temperature in Rajasthan for the last five years;
- (c) the reasons for the rise in temperature and the impact of the same on human life; and
- (d) whether the Ministry has taken steps to control the rise and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a)-(b)  Yes  Sir.  As  per  the  Climate  summary  of  the  summer  season  [Mar-Apr-May  (MAM)] 2022 published by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), [Ref :(https://imdpune.gov.in/Latest\_news/Climate\_summary\_Pre\_Monsoon\_MAM\_2022.pdf )],    the  observed  average  maximum,  average  minimum  and  mean  temperature  for  the country  as  a  whole  during  Pre-Monsoon  2022  are  34.49ºC,  22.86ºC  and  28.68ºC respectively, against the normal of 33.45ºC, 21.78ºC and 27.61ºC based on period 19812010. Thus, the seasonal average  maximum, average  minimum and  mean temperatures are  above  normal  by  1.04ºC,  1.08ºC,  1.06ºC  respectively  for  the  country  as  a  whole. Figure-1 shows the time series of mean temperature averaged over India (vertical bars) for the Pre-monsoon (Mar-May) season (1971-2022). There has been an increasing trend in the mean temperatures over the country from 1971 to 2022.

Fig 1.  Time series of mean temperature averaged over India (vertical bars) for the premonsoon (mar-may) season (1971-2022).

<!-- image -->

The table below summarizes the mean temperature and anomaly (normal value during the period from 1981 to 2010 minus the actual value) for Rajasthan. There is no increasing trend in mean temperatures in Rajasthan during last 5 years.

|                        | Temperature (Deg. C)   | Temperature (Deg. C)   |
|------------------------|------------------------|------------------------|
| Year                   | Actual                 | Anomaly                |
| 2017                   | 28.59                  | 0.91                   |
| 2018                   | 29.13                  | 1.45                   |
| 2019                   | 27.64                  | -0.04                  |
| 2020                   | 27.25                  | -0.43                  |
| 2021                   | 27.96                  | 0.28                   |
| 1981-2010 Normal Value | 27.68                  |                        |

Maximum temperature & heat wave scenario in Rajasthan during 2022 follow :

-  The mean maximum temperatures were above normal by 3.18 o C in March, 3.56 o C in April & 1.44 o C in May
-  Total  five  heat  wave  spells  were  observed  during  the  season.  First  spell  of  heat wave started from Southwest Rajasthan from 15th March onwards.
-  The  extreme  Maximum  temperature  of  43.4 o C  in  Barmer,  46.4 o C  and  48.3 o C  in Ganganagar reported in the months of March, April & May respectively.

Supporting details are given in Annexure-I .

- (c) The main cause of the rise in temperature is due to rise in Green House Gases (GHGs), mainly Carbon-di-oxide and Methane concentration in the atmosphere. Rise in temperature causes increase in both duration and intensity of Heatwaves over India.

Abnormal temperature events can impose severe physiological stress on the human body as  the  body  operates  best  within  a  fairly  normal  temperature  range.  There  is  a  marked relationship between human mortality and thermal stress. During unusually hot episodes, deaths  from  different  causes  can  rise  significantly  with  the  elderly  at  greater  risk  than others.

Four  Common  heat  health  impacts  resulting  from  excessive  exposure  to  heat  waves include dehydration, cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke.  It is also learnt that there is a sharp rise in number of cases of acute gastroenteritis and food poisoning due to spoilage of  food  and  reduction  of  its  shelf  life  due  to  high  temperatures.  There  is  also  rise  in number of cases of anxiety, palpitations, nervousness and behavioural change linked to extreme temperature rise. The occupational profile of most of the victims was ascertained as  agricultural  labourers,  coastal  community  dwellers,  and  people  living  below  poverty level (BPL) category with mostly outdoor occupations.

- (d) As an adaptive  measure, India Meteorological Department (IMD) in collaboration with local health departments have started heat action plan in many parts of the country since 2013 to forewarn people about the heat waves and also advising action to be taken during such occasions.

Heat  Action  Plan  is  a  comprehensive  early  warning  system  and  preparedness  plan  for extreme  heat  events.  The  Plan  presents  immediate  as  well  as  longer-term  actions  to increase  preparedness,  information-sharing,  and  response  coordination  to  reduce  the health impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.

While  issuing  the  warning  suitable  colour  code  is  used  to  bring  out  the  impact  of  the severe  weather  expected  and  to  signal  the  Disaster  Management  about  the  course  of action  to  be  taken  with  respect  to  impending  disaster  weather  event.    Green  color corresponds  to  no  warning  hence  no  action  is  needed,  yellow  color  corresponds  to  be watchful and get updated information, orange color to be alert and be prepared to take action whereas red color signals to take action.

<!-- image -->

Table 2: Monthwise Extreme Maximum Temperature in 2022

<!-- image -->

Annexure-I

Table-3:Monthwiseheatwave and severe heatwave days in 2022

********