A period of stifling heat before the arrival of the monsoon season is nothing new to the subcontinent. For as long as anyone can remember, heatwaves have occupied a natural spot on Indian calendars around this time of year. Given the certainty of Indian weather patterns, why is this year’s heatwave claiming such a high number of Indian lives? The answer to that question lies in the construction of cities.
More than 2,000 people have died as the result of heatwaves in major urban areas, especially in the states of Hyderabad and Telangana, where temperatures reached 48°C. However, the death toll may well have been vastly underestimated. Regardless, the number of deaths from heatwaves appears to be significantly higher this year, compared with previous years. In 2011, the death toll was recorded at 793. These heatwaves, like floods, are predictable. With better city planning and greater investment in basic infrastructure, India can protect against these natural disasters.
Some municipalities are considering taking steps to ensure that residents will not die from the heat. This work should start with the incorporation of more cool areas in the city. In Chandni Chowk in Dehli, for example, the alleyways between older buildings are places of activity in the hot summer months because they form natural wind tunnels and shaded cool spaces. In the fever pitch of India’s rapid urbanisation, this sort of infrastructure has been crushed by eager developers keen to build on any available space.
Prime minister Narendra Modi has made a point of putting infrastructure development at the top of his agenda. While he has not yet had sufficient time to achieve lasting results, his idea is a sound one. As the heatwave demonstrates, India is only as strong as its cities’ ability to function. This reality extends far beyond India’s borders and affects our rapidly globalising world. Today will mark the start of the monsoon season and with it the rain that will hopefully dampen the heat. However, the heat will return next year. It is up to India to better protect itself next time around.
