New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged 21 states and Delhi to take advance action to protect vulnerable populations from the impact of heatwaves.
The elderly, children, infants, and newborns are most susceptible to the health effects of extreme heat, while heatwaves can also lead to loss of livelihoods and increased fire accident risks, the NHRC said in a statement.
With mercury levels soaring in various states and Delhi, the NHRC asked the 21 states and Delhi to implement relief measures to protect the vulnerable population during heatwaves.
The Commission noted that the rise in heatwave frequency, duration, and intensity disproportionately affects marginalized, economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, and the homeless due to inadequate shelter and resources.
Highlighting the risks faced by economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, newborns, and the homeless, the NHRC urged the states to plan and facilitate seamless implementation of relief measures as per their existing standard operating procedures or guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority.
The NHRC also called for consolidated action taken reports from the districts at the state or UT level.
