The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre on a PIL seeking strict national heatwave guidelines. The plea highlights over 700 heat-related deaths and demands urgent action plans and alert systems.
New Delhi: Today, On May 22, The Supreme Court of India has taken serious note of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted over 700 deaths caused by heatwaves across the country last year.
The Court has now asked the Central Government to explain what steps it has taken to deal with this worrying issue.
A two-judge bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih issued official notices to several authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The Supreme Court has asked them to file their replies within two weeks.
The PIL was filed by environment activist Vikrant Tongad. In his petition, Tongad requested the Court to direct the Central Government to properly follow and implement the national guidelines for managing heatwave conditions.
He also asked for a proper action plan to protect people during heatwave seasons, especially in view of the rising number of heat-related deaths.
Vikrant Tongad further urged the Court to issue directions to the government for setting up important facilities.
These include the proper forecasting of heatwave conditions, early warning systems, and the issuance of heat alerts. He also demanded the establishment of helplines that would work round-the-clock to assist people suffering due to extreme heat.
His plea asked for action on multiple fronts, pointing out that, “forecast, issuance of heat alert/early warning systems, and round-the-clock redressal helplines, among others” are urgently needed.
The Supreme Court, after hearing the plea, agreed that this is a serious matter and needs immediate attention from the authorities.
It stressed the need for proper planning and preventive steps to be in place, especially as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
The case will come up again after two weeks, by which time the concerned ministries and authorities must respond with their actions and plans.
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This case brings attention to the urgent need for better disaster management in the country, especially when it comes to climate-related events like heatwaves.
The plea highlights that without proper measures in place, vulnerable populations — especially the elderly, children, and outdoor workers — remain at serious risk.
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