**Summary:**
In response to a parliamentary question regarding the impact of heat stress in India, the Ministry of Earth Sciences reports a lack of specific India-based data and research quantifying the impact on vulnerable populations such as the poor, marginalized, migrants, subsistence workers, women, and the elderly, although studies from other regions indicate their heightened susceptibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has developed a Climate Hazard Vulnerability Atlas of India, focusing on heatwaves and associated casualties, to aid disaster management sectors in identifying vulnerable districts for preventive and adaptive measures. This atlas provides district-level vulnerability maps and assessments.
Heat Action Plans (HAPs), initially piloted in Ahmedabad in 2013, are now operational in 23 states through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with various state and central agencies, including the IMD. These plans are tailored by local agencies to address specific administrative and management requirements. The IMD provides critical meteorological information and warning services, supporting HAP development with data, monitoring, forecasts (seasonal to monthly), and early warnings for timely preparedness and mitigation. Local government bodies and associated NGOs then implement actions based on this information.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, provided this information in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The IMD's hazard atlas can be accessed at https:imdpune.gov.inhazardatlasabouthazard.html.
Key Entities Referenced
India Meteorological Department IMD: An agency that published the Climate Hazard Vulnerability Atlas of India and plays a crucial role in providing meteorological information and warning services.
Climate Hazard Vulnerability Atlas of India: A publication prepared by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for heatwaves across the country, based on casualties associated with severe heatwaves.
Heat Action Plan HAP: A plan that became operational in Ahmedabad during the summer of 2013 and is now operational in 23 States, designed by local level agencies to address heatwave conditions.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat: City where Heat Action Plan became operational on an experimental basis in 2013
National Disaster Management Authority NDMA: Organization coordinating with various State and Central Agencies, including IMD, in States prone to high temperatures, for developing heat action plans.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where a written reply was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh regarding the impact of heat stress.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space.
Ministry of Earth Sciences: The ministry that posted the parliament question regarding the impact of heat stress.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPACT OF HEAT
STRESS
Posted On: 20 AUG 2025 4:33PM by PIB Delhi
In India, there are no heat-related data or research studies to indicate the extent of impact of heat stress on the
categories of people mentioned here. However, some studies conducted in other parts of the world have
shown that the poor, the marginalised, migrants, subsistence workers, women, and the elderly are more prone
to the impact of heat stress.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has published the Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of
India, prepared for heatwaves across the country, and this is based on casualties associated with the severe
heatwaves. It is mainly for the users of the disaster management sectors to identify the vulnerable districts
affected by the heatwave for taking preventive and adaptive measures. This vulnerability maps, vulnerability
assessment are at the district level. https://imdpune.gov.in/hazardatlas/abouthazard.html.
It was known to researchers during older days that urban areas have a higher temperature than rural areas.
Heat Action Plan (HAP) became operational on an experimental basis in Ahmedabad during the summer of
2013, and till today, it has been operational in 23 States by the National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) in coordination with various State and Central Agencies, including IMD, prone to high temperatures
leading to heatwave conditions, and developing heat action plans.
HAPs are designed by the local level agencies, considering the administrative and management requirements
at the ground level. IMD plays a crucial role by providing meteorological information and warning services.
Subsequently, the actions are taken by different stakeholders at the local government bodies and associated
NGOs. IMD provides all support as and when required in the level development of HAPs for meteorological
information, monitoring day-to-day conditions, forecasts at seasonal to monthly scales, early warning for
timely preparedness and implementation of mitigation measures well in advance.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science
and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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NKR/PSM/AV
(Release ID: 2158399)