‘Unrecognised disaster’: NGT seeks response from Centre, states on heatwave conditions across India
“Unlike floods, cyclones or earthquakes, heat rarely leaves any dramatic visuals yet affects vast part of the country for long periods and making India most unrecognised disasters,” it noted.
The tribunal has sought a response from the Centre and several states on a short-term and long-term adaptation strategy to address the increasing temperature due to climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities during summer months.
The tribunal noted that the news highlighted that India continues to face conventional serious, intense extreme heat. It observed that rising temperatures are impacting lives, productivity, power systems, agricultural output and increasing risks of pollution, vegetation stress, wildlife fires and heat-related illnesses among humans and animals.
Highlighting the distinction between urban and rural heat stress, the NGT said cities trap and retain heat due to dense concrete structures, limited vegetation, anthropogenic heat emissions and high energy consumption patterns, while rural populations suffer because of prolonged outdoor work, limited cooling infrastructure and inadequate institutional support.
The Tribunal further observed that heatwaves are linked to climate change and anthropogenic activities therefore it emphasised the need for proper adaptation strategy.
“There needs to be proper adaptation strategy formulated as highlighted in the news item area specific microplanning is required as the temperatures are likely to increase year after year affecting water availability and other basic needs and accordingly the adaptation measures put in place to address these,” the tribunal remarked.
It further added that response from the States and its authorities are required to have a short-term and long-term adaptation strategy to address the increasing temperature due to climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities during summer months.
The NGT impleaded the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Central Pollution Control Board and several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand, among others, as respondents in the matter.
The Tribunal has issued notices seeking responses from the authorities and listed the matter for further hearing on August 19, 2026.
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