In a powerful response to the extreme heatwave sweeping across the nation, the Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the crisis, urging both Central and State governments to implement immediate measures to combat climate change. Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand outlined several urgent actions for the State government, aiming to mitigate the rising fatalities due to heatstroke.
Key directives include:
- Immediate Implementation of the Heat Action Plan: As part of the Rajasthan Climate Change Project, this plan must be activated without delay.
- Water Sprinkling on Busy Roads: To cool down public spaces.
- Provision of Cooling Facilities: Setting up shaded areas and providing drinking water, ORS packets, and mango panna at traffic signals and along highways to aid the public, daily laborers, and animals.
- Enhanced Health Facilities: The Department of Health is instructed to ensure all health centers are equipped to treat heatwave victims.
- Rest Periods for Outdoor Workers: An advisory to allow rest from 12 PM to 3 PM for workers exposed to the sun.
- Public Alerts: Utilizing SMS, radio, TV, mobile apps, and other media to warn the public about severe heat conditions.
- Compensation for Heatwave Victims: Appropriate compensation for the families of those who succumb to heatstroke.
- Legislation to Prevent Pollution and Adulterated Food: Enacting laws to protect living beings from pollution and contaminated food.
The Court also pushed for the Central government to enact the long-pending Prevention of Deaths Due to Heat and Cold Waves Bill, 2015, instructing its Registry to forward a copy of the order to the Union Ministry of Law & Justice.
Additionally, authorities are urged to construct water bodies near dams to conserve rainwater. The Court’s order emphasizes the dire consequences of climate change, lamenting that Mother Earth is crying out for action.
“Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Nature is suffering. Extreme heat, now exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, affects millions in Rajasthan and across the nation. Climate change, along with deforestation and destruction of natural water bodies, accelerates the planet’s destruction… If we do not act now, future generations will suffer irreparably,” the order states.
The Court highlighted that the most vulnerable, particularly the poor, are disproportionately affected by extreme temperatures, often resulting in death due to lack of resources.
“Six of the top ten heatwaves, in terms of fatalities, have occurred in the 21st Century, coinciding with eight of the ten warmest years on record. The poor, with no choice but to work in the heat for survival, are the most at risk. Heat-related deaths are underreported when linked to pre-existing conditions like heart or lung disease,” the Court noted.
The call to action extends to all individuals and communities, stressing that collective effort is essential to restore balance with nature.
“Each individual’s effort is crucial. We will succeed only if everyone plays their part. Let’s begin a movement to restore our planet,” the Court urged.
The Court plans to issue further directives in the upcoming hearing, scheduled for July 1, and has called upon senior advocates and legal representatives to assist in this vital matter.
