The frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in urban centres, have increased in recent years. Describe the various causes and effects of heatwaves. What policies and frameworks have been adopted in India towards extreme heat risk management?

Heatwaves refer to prolonged periods of extremely hot temperature over an area. Increasing up in haze: Increase over 4-35C in hill (Criteria for heatwaves) 4-5C increase over normal temperature in hilly areas. Causes For Heatwaves: 1) Natural: a Omega blocks - prolonged high pressure due to slowing down of westerly waves b El Nino conditions promote heatwaves in India

b Second local grid like too over North India. c Tropical location of state - measurable insulation. d Upper wind circulation bringing winds from Tibas to central India. 2) Anthropogenic: a Urban microclimatic leading to heat island effects b Rise of global warming due to use of fossil fuel c Urbanisation & glazed setting. Effects of Heat waves: 1) Human & Social: i leads to death 4 times -over 25,000 deaths between 1992 - 2015 NOAA ii Increased inequality as poor are most affected

Policies & Frameworks adopted by India: 1) National level: a loss of agricultural productivity leading to inflation b wheat in 2018 court season failed c Increased poverty as wages reduce due to reduced productivity. 2) Environmental: a Forest fires & droughts b Increased energy usage -i) Ark: HVAC Heat rider during summers. Implemented heat action plan HAP: i IMD & NDMA: implementing heat action plan HAP ii Colour coded warning of IMD iii NDMA guidelines - a Approach Model offer for implementing HAP. Nature based solution such as Blue green Infrastructure can enable increased insulation & frequency of heat waves