Here are a few challenges standing tall amid the heatwaves in India.
Highlights:
- Wheat shortage
- States to be in lockdown not because of Corona this time
- Coal shortage and Blackouts will be normal
- Smoke blanketed Delhi
- Heat-related problems
Heatwaves in India: This year, summer began early with high temperatures from March itself – the average maximum temperatures for the month being the highest in the past 122 years. Heatwaves in India kickstarted setting in during the month, reported news outlet BBC.
Millions of Indians suffer from a record-shattering heatwave throwing livelihoods out of gear. This week, the mercury in Delhi is expected to cross 44C. And heat woes are set to worsen.
Read More- Heat wave warning: Beware of the intense summer that will hit large parts of India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heatwave warning for numerous states in India so early, increasing concerns among public health experts. The country has already recorded its hottest March. It is now setting high temperatures in some parts of northern India that are expected to touch 46 degrees Celsius.
Here are a few challenges standing tall amid the heatwaves in India.
Wheat shortage
The heatwave is hitting and threatening India’s central wheat-growing regions. The production of wheat crops is down by 60% compared to regular harvests. The heatwave has heightened the fire danger in recent days, threatened crop yields, and even accelerated the melting of some glaciers. While this part of the world is no stranger to extreme heat, scientists say conditions have been worsened because of climate change. Water shortages will hit farmers hardest, especially wheat-growing farmers.
States to be in lockdown and not because of Corona this time!
Concerned about the soaring heatwaves, states like West Bengal and Odisha have announced early summer vacation. Few private schools have suspended in-person classes.
Coal shortage and Blackouts will be normal
The unprecedented heat has also triggered a spike in power demand, leading to coal shortages and increased power outages in many states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, etc. Despite high coal production in India, power plants in India are facing a shortage. The states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and others are staring at a looming energy crisis. Power shortages are expected to peak from the months of April till October.
Even Delhi is likely to see frequent power cuts as the Delhi government has said that, if necessary steps were not taken to meet the coal shortages, it would be a challenge to provide 24/7 electricity to the hospitals or even the metro. Thus, it becomes more challenging for us to tackle heat waves in India.
Smoke blanketed Delhi
Smoke blanketed Delhi after a massive landfill caught fire during a scorching heatwave, disrupting people’s lives nearby. Rather than temporary solutions, policymakers should gear up for protecting people’s livelihoods as such conditions will be a regular occurrence due to the climate crisis. A pile of smoldering rubbish 60 meters high and spewing toxic fumes landfill site on the outskirts of Delhi has been burning for days. The fire at the landfill site was sparked by India’s stifling temperatures in recent weeks.
Heat-related problems
Heatwaves in India have also soared concerns related to heat-related problems as many people from poor socio-economic groups are not capable of affording air conditions and coolers. Therefore, the experts have warned that the day is not very far when people will die due to scorching heat.
However, some reports also suggest that May is likely to show some respite from the heatwaves, and a significant dip in the temperature will come as a big relief.
Fingers crossed!
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