SC seeks Centre’s reply on plea for strict heatwave guidelines after 700 deaths

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to respond within two weeks to a public interest litigation demanding strict enforcement of national heatwave management guidelines. The plea comes in light of over 700 reported deaths last year due to heat stress, with fears that worsening climate conditions could make future heatwaves even more deadly.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, issued notices to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The court’s move follows arguments by environmental activist Vikrant Tongad, who called for concrete action in line with the National Guidelines for Preparation of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of Heatwave (2019).

The plea also highlighted failures by several states and union territories to implement these plans despite the growing threat. Advocate Akash Vashishtha, appearing for Tongad, informed the court that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) itself acknowledged heatwaves are now affecting much wider regions than before, including eastern and southern India.

Citing scientific reports by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the petition pointed out that more than 70% of India's landmass could face severe heat stress in the coming decades. It warned of a tenfold increase in heatwave risks and a steep rise in heat-related deaths, especially in developing countries like India.

The petition demands that the Centre not only enforce heatwave action plans but also ensure early warning systems, helplines, and financial support like compensation for victims and minimum wage protection during extreme heat spells for vulnerable populations. The court will hear the matter again after receiving the Centre's reply.