The National Human Rights Commission has urged 11 states to enhance measures to prevent heat-related deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly and outdoor workers. The NHRC has emphasized the need for shelters, relief materials, and adjustments in working hours to combat the effects of heatwaves. The India Meteorological Department predicts above-normal temperatures and prolonged heatwave days in several regions. People are advised to avoid strenuous activities during peak heat and ensure proper ventilation at home.
May 02, 2025
NHRC asks 11 states to boost measures to prevent heat-related deaths
"Measures
must be taken to help the vulnerable people especially economically weaker
sections." - NHRC
NHRC asks 11
states to boost measures to prevent heat-related deaths
Amid rising
heatwaves in the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on
Thursday asked states in the northern, central and western parts to take
immediate pre-emptive measures to prevent heat-related deaths.
Key Points
1 NHRC targets 11 states to combat heatwave impact
2 Vulnerable groups include elderly, children,
outdoor workers
3 States urged to provide shelters, relief
materials, and amend working hours
4 IMD forecasts prolonged heatwave days in several
regions
Measures must be taken to help “the vulnerable
people especially economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly,
children, and the homeless, who are at risk due to the lack of adequate shelter
and resources,” said the Commission.
In a letter to
the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West
Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, the NHRC
asked to provide the vulnerable with “shelters, supply of relief materials”.
As per NCRB
data, 3,798 deaths were reported between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun
strokes.
The Commission
emphasised the urgent need for integrated and inclusive measures, including
“amending working hours and to opt standard procedures for treating
heat-related illnesses”.
To mitigate the
impacts of heat waves NDMA guidelines suggests activating public spaces such as
schools, anganwadi centres, and community halls with adequate ventilation,
fans, drinking water, and basic medical supplies.
It also calls
for supply of fans, cool roof materials, and ORS sachets to families in
informal settlements and labour colonies; and to provide shaded rest zones,
hydration support, and encourage the use of protective clothing.
The Commision
has asked the States to submit action-taken reports to protect the lives of
those vulnerable to heat waves.
Meanwhile, the
India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday that several regions of
India will witness above-normal temperatures and an increased number of
heatwave days during May.
The heatwave
days will likely prolong up to "four days -- in Rajasthan, Haryana,
Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Gangetic West
Bengal,” IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in a media report.
In the wake of
this, the Ministry of Health has issued advisory urging people to “protect from
the heat”.
In a post on
social media platform X, it suggested people to avoid getting out in the sun
between 12 noon and 3 pm; and not to undertake any strenuous activity outside
in the afternoon.
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