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Advance action needed to protect vulnerable groups from heatwaves: NHRC to 21 states, Delhi
The NHRC urged 21 states and Delhi to take advance action and implement relief measures to shield vulnerable populations from heatwaves as temperatures rise and reach over 40°C in Delhi. The commission cited rising heatwave frequency and the disproportionate impact on marginalized groups, and referenced NRBC data on heat-related deaths (2019-23).
Why It Matters
Heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity and disproportionately affect the poor, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, newborns, and the homeless, making proactive relief measures crucial.
Timeline
1 Event
NHRC asks 21 states and Delhi to take advance action to protect vulnerable groups from heatwaves
April 28, 2026
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, asked 21 states and the Union Territory of Delhi to take advance action and implement relief measures to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves. The commission noted rising heatwave frequency and intensity, with Delhi recording many places above 40°C. It emphasized integrated and inclusive measures to safeguard economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the homeless, the elderly, children, and newborns amid inadequate shelter and resources. The NHRC also highlighted data from the National Crime Records Bureau indicating about 3,712 heat- or sunstroke-related deaths in India from 2019 to 2023, urging states and Delhi to plan and facilitate relief measures per existing SOPs or NDMA guidelines and to provide consolidated action-taken reports from districts at the state/UT level.