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Heatwaves in India 2025: Causes, Impacts and Strategies to Break the Heat–Power Trap
Learn how India’s rising heatwaves are intensifying the dangerous heat–power trap. Explore causes, sectoral impacts, electricity demand trends, health risks, and the urgent policy, energy, agricultural, and urban interventions needed to strengthen India’s heat resilience.
Heatwaves and India’s Heat–Power Trap: Causes, Impacts, Risks and Mitigation Measures
India experienced unprecedented heat extremes in 2024, driving a 9% spike in electricity demand during peak summer. The report Breaking the Cycle by Climate Trends and Climate Compatible Futures warns that India is entering a dangerous self-reinforcing “heat–power trap” — where rising temperatures escalate power demand, push higher fossil fuel use, and worsen emissions, air pollution, and public health vulnerabilities.
What is a heatwave?
- A heatwave is defined as a period of unusually high temperatures, significantly above the normal maximum, lasting for several days.
- In India, the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) considers it a heatwave when temperatures in plains exceed 40°C, in hilly regions exceed 30°C, or when temperatures are 4.5–6.4°C above normal.
- Heatwaves are often called “silent disasters” because they develop gradually but cause widespread harm.
What are the major causes of it?
- Climate change and global warming: Rising global temperatures have increased baseline warming. India recorded its hottest year in history in 2024, with temperatures 0.65°C above the 1991–2020 average.
- Atmospheric circulation patterns: High-pressure systems trap warm air near the surface, preventing heat dissipation. This stagnation leads to prolonged hot spells.
- Delayed or weakened monsoon: Heatwaves often occur between March and June. A delay in monsoon onset prolongs exposure to extreme heat.
- Urban heat island effect: Cities with concrete, asphalt, and limited vegetation absorb and retain heat, raising local temperatures compared to rural areas.
- Deforestation and land-use change: Loss of vegetation reduces natural cooling, increases albedo changes, and worsens soil dryness, amplifying heatwave intensity.
- El Niño and global climatic anomalies: ENSO events disrupt rainfall and temperature patterns, often intensifying heatwaves in South Asia.
- Anthropogenic activities: Industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and excessive energy use contribute to localised warming and exacerbate heat stress.
How does it affect different sectors?
- Agriculture: Extreme heat compounds other hazards – exacerbating crop failure and livestock mortality from drought and increasing vulnerability of ecosystems such as forests to wildfires. A single heatwave can cut agricultural productivity by up to 50%.
- Energy Sector: Peak electricity demand surged from 154 GW (2015) to 246 GW (2024), a 59% rise. Cooling loads doubled summer peaks, driving coal-heavy generation and 327 MtCO2 emissions in 3 months of 2024.
- Health & Public Safety: Heatwaves increase cases of heatstroke, dehydration and cardiovascular stress, leading to higher hospital admissions. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and outdoor workers face elevated mortality risks.
- Water Resources: High temperatures accelerate reservoir evaporation, reducing water availability and hydropower output. Groundwater extraction rises due to irrigation and cooling needs, intensifying long-term depletion. Water scarcity deepens drought conditions, especially in rural areas.
- Industry & Economy: Worker productivity declines in outdoor sectors such as construction, agriculture and mining. Heat-sensitive supply chains, particularly for perishables, face frequent disruptions. Economic losses are significant, with heat stress posing a risk of up to 4.5% of India’s GDP by 2030.
- Environment & Ecology: Heatwaves heighten forest-fire risks in regions such as Himachal Pradesh. Ecosystems experience biodiversity loss as pollinators, aquatic organisms and migratory species become vulnerable. Marine heatwaves cause mass mortality events, affecting coastal food chains and fisheries.
What measures can be taken to address the challenges of heatwaves?
- Policy and Governance: Implement Heat Action Plans (HAPs) across states with early warning systems. Integrate heatwave resilience into urban planning and disaster management policies. Strengthen coordination between IMD, health departments, and local governments.
- Energy and Infrastructure: Promote renewable energy to meet rising cooling demand sustainably. Invest in energy-efficient cooling technologies and green building codes. Expand grid resilience and storage capacity to handle peak loads.
- Agriculture and Rural Measures: Introduce heat-resistant crop varieties and promote crop diversification. Improve irrigation efficiency through drip and sprinkler systems. Provide crop insurance and financial support to farmers affected by heat stress.
- Urban Adaptation: Expand green cover, rooftop gardens, and water bodies to reduce urban heat islands. Encourage cool roofs and reflective materials in construction. Improve access to shaded public spaces and cooling shelters.
- Health and Social Measures: Public awareness campaigns on hydration, protective clothing, and safe working hours. Strengthen healthcare infrastructure to handle heat-related emergencies. Special protection for vulnerable groups—elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
