Polls, deaths, and loaded power lines: India’s summer misery deepens
recently observed several discrepancies in data on heatwave-related deaths in India reported by different wings of the government. The year 2023 was India's second-warmest on record, closely trailing the record-breaking temperatures experienced in 2016, according to the IMD.
The relentless heat also drives up electricity demand as people across the country turn to cooling appliances to find respite. Historically, June typically sees peak power demand during the summer season.
This year, peak power demand had already touched at least a five-year high by early June—with the rest of the month to follow. While the pace of increase in power demand is expected for a developing nation such as India, the escalating deadly heatwaves also threaten to impact labour productivity, especially for those in the informal and non-skilled workforce engaged in outdoor work.
Despite climate change gradually finding a place in parliamentary questions, substantial action to mitigate its effect has been lacking. As the 18th Lok Sabha convenes next week, Indians will hope for some discussions addressing the rising heat.
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