The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government, seeking its response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that calls for the nationwide enforcement of heatwave preparedness guidelines.
The PIL, filed by environmental activist Vikrant Tongad, underscores the urgent need for a coordinated national strategy to mitigate the escalating threat of extreme heat events across India.
Court Demands
A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih directed the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to respond within two weeks. The Court emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive action plan to address the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves.
Petition Cites Alarming Mortality
Advocate Akash Vashishtha, representing Tongad, informed the Court that over 700 deaths were attributed to heatwaves and heat stress in 2024. He highlighted that regions previously unaffected—such as the east coast, northeast, and peninsular India—are now experiencing extreme heat conditions, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
NDMA
The petition criticizes the inadequate implementation of the NDMA’s 2019 “National Guidelines for Preparation of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of Heatwave,” noting that many states and union territories have yet to adopt these measures. It urges the central government to fulfill its obligations under Section 35 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to protect public health and the environment.
The PIL advocates for the establishment of robust forecasting systems, early warning mechanisms, and round-the-clock helplines to assist vulnerable populations during heatwaves. It also calls for compensation for victims of heat-related illnesses and the provision of minimum wages or other social security benefits to at-risk groups during periods of extreme heat.
Scientific Reports Warn
The petition references a 2023 monograph by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the IMD, which projects a tenfold increase in heatwave risks in India during the 21st century. The report warns that over 70% of the country’s land area could be affected, leading to significant increases in heat-related mortality, particularly in lower-latitude developing countries like India.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for mid-June, by which time it expects detailed responses from the relevant ministries and agencies.
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