Supreme Court Seeks National Heatwave Regulations After 730 Deaths in 2024
India's Supreme Court demands national heatwave action plan & mandatory rules amid rising fatalities. Crucial hearing in four weeks.
Heatwave Crisis: Supreme Court Presses Government for Mandatory Protection Rules
The Supreme Court of India has called upon the central and state governments to respond to a plea for nationwide regulations aimed at preventing heatwave-related deaths, particularly among unorganised workers and children. The move comes as data reveals a significant increase in fatalities due to extreme heat.
On Wednesday, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai issued notices following a petition filed by Delhi-based lawyer Adil Sharfuddin. Sharfuddin's data, gathered from government sources, indicates 730 heatwave deaths in 2024 alone.
Senior advocate M.R. Shamshad, representing the petitioner, highlighted that the Rajasthan High Court had previously taken suo motu cognizance of heatwave deaths in April, urging the Centre to declare a national emergency during periods of extreme heat. This occurred as several North Indian cities experienced temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.
Shamshad emphasized the need for enforceable obligations on employers and the state to implement measures such as flexible work hours, adequate hydration, shaded rest areas, and medical provisions during severe heatwaves. The petition also advocates for states to introduce comprehensive Heat Action Plans.
The petitioner contends that heatwaves fall under the definition of "disaster" as per Section 2(d) of the Disaster Management Act, mandating the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to formulate policies and guidelines to reduce the risk of heatwave deaths. While the NDMA issued non-binding guidelines in 2016 and 2019, the petition seeks mandatory regulations for consistent compliance nationwide.
The bench, which also included Justices K. Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi, has scheduled the next hearing in four weeks.
