NHRC asks 11 States to protect vulnerable people from heat waves

A family protects herself from the scorching sun and heat waves using umbrella, during a hot summer day, in Vijayawada.
| Photo Credit: G.N. Rao

Amid the ongoing heat wave, particularly in the northern, central and western parts of the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday (May 1, 2025) asked 11 States to take immediate pre-emptive measures to protect vulnerable people, especially those from poorer communities.

Highlighting data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) that reported 3,798 deaths between 2018 and 2022 due to heat and sun strokes, the Commission has emphasised the urgent need for integrated and inclusive measures to protect outdoor workers, elderly citizens, children, and the homeless, who are at risk due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources.

In a letter to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, the NHRC called for the provisioning of shelters and relief materials, changes in working hours, and standard procedures to treat heat-related illnesses.

Treatment protocols

In its communication to the States, the Commission reiterated the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on mitigating the impact of heat waves, including the need to establish and implement treatment protocols for heat-related illnesses.

The Commission suggested that the States equip public spaces such as schools, anganwadi centres, and community halls with adequate ventilation, fans, drinking water, and basic medical supplies.

“Ensure supply of fans, cool roof materials, and ORS sachets to families in informal settlements and labour colonies and amend working hours, provide shaded rest zones, hydration support, and encourage the use of protective clothing,” the Commission said. The States were asked to submit action-taken reports in this regard.