The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organised a meeting of its Core Group on Environment and Climate on the theme ‘Heat Wave and its Mitigation in Urban Areas’ in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, NHRC Chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian emphasised the need for stronger protection of existing natural ecosystems, stricter regulation of construction around water bodies and actionable recommendations focused on sustainable urban development. He said that unlivable rural conditions and the growth of ‘concrete jungles’ in cities have further contributed to rising temperatures and heatwave-related challenges. Justice Ramasubramanian added that the damage caused to the environment over the decades cannot be reversed, and the focus must be on mitigating its impact.

 

Key suggestions that emanated from the discussion were to develop ward-level heat vulnerability and resilience maps using GIS, remote sensing, AI, land surface temperature and social vulnerability indicators, supported by localised forecasting, early warning systems and a composite Heat Vulnerability Index. Improve heat wave mortality and morbidity surveillance through a unified, scientifically validated reporting and data management system. Institutionalise Heat Action Plans and their implementation across all states, districts and cities through dedicated Heat Officers, integrated governance dashboards, regular monitoring and inter-departmental coordination. The Commission said that it will further deliberate on the suggestions to finalise its recommendations to the centre and state governments.

 

NHRC Members, Secretary General, Core Group members, Special Rapporteurs, Special Monitors, senior functionaries of the Central Government and various parastatal organisations were present in the meeting. Municipal Commissioners of Ahmedabad and Indore, eminent domain experts and members of civil society organisations also participated in the meeting.