The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued letters to the Chief Secretaries of 21 States and the Union Territory of Delhi, urging them to take advance action and implement relief measures to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves in the country. The Commission has also sought action-taken reports to mitigate the impact of heatwaves and prevent casualties, in line with existing guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority.

The NHRC said that the rising frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves affect marginalised and economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, and the homeless due to a lack of adequate shelter and resources. It stressed that the elderly, children, infants, and newborns are especially vulnerable to the health impacts of extreme heat, adding that heatwaves can also lead to loss of livelihoods and an increased risk of fire accidents.

Highlighting National Crime Records Bureau data on the reported death of over 3,712 people in India due to heat or sunstroke between 2019 and 2023, the Commission emphasised the urgent need for integrated and inclusive measures.