Lok Sabha Question No. 2703 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Health impact of Rising Temperatures
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Dr. Shivaji Bandappa Kalge

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2703

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 11 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## HEALTH IMPACT OF RISING TEMPERATURES

## 2703.     DR. SHIVAJI BANDAPPA KALGE:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the year 2024 might become the hottest year on record;
- (b) if  so,  the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  address  the  health  and  environmental impacts of extreme heat, particularly for vulnerable populations;
- (c) whether the Government is strengthening climate resilience and adaptation strategies to address rising temperatures; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) - (b)  India  Meteorological  Department  (IMD),  in  coordination  with  various  research  centers across  the  country,  has  taken  multiple  steps  to  improve  monitoring  and  early  warning systems, which helped minimize loss of life and property during extreme weather events, including heat waves. These include:
- i. Issuing  seasonal  and  monthly  outlooks,  followed  by  extended-range  forecasts  of temperature and heatwave conditions. The early warning and forecast information are also disseminated through various social media for timely public outreach.
- ii. District-wise  heatwave  vulnerability  Atlas  over  India  to  help  State  Government authorities and disaster management agencies in planning
- iii. The hot weather hazard analysis  map over India that includes  daily  temperature, winds, and humidity condition
- iv. Heat  Action  Plans  (HAPs)  in  23  States  that  are  prone  to  heatwave  conditions jointly implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the State Governments

A series of National and State-level heatwave preparedness meetings are conducted much before the start of the summer season, with regular review meetings from time to time during the season.

- (c)-(d) Yes. Various initiatives have been undertaken by the Government of India with the help of States to reduce the causes of heatwaves in the coming years. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) is one of the  major  initiatives  in  this  direction.  Additionally,  India  has  taken  a  proactive  role  in fostering  international  collaborations  through  initiatives  such  as  the  International  Solar Alliance  and  the  Coalition  for  Disaster-Resilient  Infrastructure.  India  is  committed  to pursuing  low-carbon  strategies  for  development  and  is  actively  pursuing  them,  as  per national circumstances.

In coordination with various research centers across the country, the India Meteorological Department  (IMD)  has  been  taking  multiple  steps  to  improve  monitoring  and  early warning  systems,  which  helped  minimize  loss  of  life  and  property  during  extreme weather events,  including  heat  waves.  Heat  Action  Plans  (HAPs)  in  23  States  that  are prone  to  heatwave  conditions  were  jointly  implemented  by  the  National  Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the State Governments.

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