NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian emphasized the need for tighter regulations on construction near water bodies during discussions on urban heat wave effects. He highlighted the importance of protecting natural ecosystems and proposed actionable measures for sustainable urban development. Suggestions included enhancing heat wave surveillance and implementing Heat Action Plans at all levels for effective mitigation.
One of the key recommendations from the event was to enhance heat wave mortality monitoring through a unified reporting system. Participants also stressed the importance of institutionalizing Heat Action Plans nationwide to combat rising heat-related health risks. Justice Ramasubramanian underscored the role of preserving natural ecosystems and stricter regulations on construction near water bodies to address increasing heat stress.
Aakash Shrivastava from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare warned about the projected rise in heat-related health risks by 2035. He called for expanded Heat Health Action Plans, improved surveillance systems, and enhanced healthcare capacity to reduce fatalities. NHRC Member Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi urged collective efforts to balance urban development with environmental protection for future generations.
NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal highlighted the human rights implications of heat waves, especially for vulnerable groups. He emphasized the need for collective action to conserve nature, expand green spaces, and protect resources. Experts at the event called for a comprehensive approach to defining heat waves, incorporating factors like humidity and vegetation, and emphasized the importance of stronger heat action plans and protection for vulnerable workers.
