PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HEATWAVE-RELATED DEATHS AND MITIGATION MEASURES IN MAHARASHTRA

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HEATWAVE-RELATED DEATHS AND MITIGATION MEASURES IN MAHARASHTRA

The latest data of deaths due to Heat/Sun Stroke in Maharashtra during 2018-2022, as available from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is given in Annexure-1.

The State disaster management authorities have their resources available through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to support it. If there is a request from the States for financial assistance, the Central Government considers it in accordance with the relevant guidelines for the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in collaboration with various research centers across the country, has undertaken several initiatives to enhance monitoring and early warning systems. These efforts have significantly contributed to minimizing the loss of life and property during extreme weather events, including heat waves. These include:

The weather information is provided to all the stakeholders, including the ministries of the Union Government, State Governments, and local Government bodies. Further, Heat Action Plans (HAPs) have been implemented in 23 States, including all districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada that are particularly vulnerable to heatwave conditions. These plans are a joint initiative by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the respective State Governments. The Common Alert Protocol (CAP), developed by the NDMA, is also being implemented to disseminate warnings and timely alerts by the IMD.           

IMD has also brought out a web-based online “Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of India” prepared for the thirteen most hazardous meteorological events, which cause extensive damage and economic, human, and animal losses. The same can be accessed at https://imdpune.gov.in/hazardatlas/abouthazard.html. This atlas will help State Government authorities and disaster management agencies identify the hotspots and plan and take appropriate action to tackle extreme weather events. This product is helpful in building Climate Change resilient infrastructure. Further, the India Meteorological Department provides weather information to the public through various platforms:

 

Deaths due to Heat/Sun Stroke in Maharashtra during 2018-2022:

S. No.

Year

Number of deaths

2018

128

2019

159

2020

56

2021

37

2022

90

Source: As per data provided by the State, Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.