The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought responses from the Centre, States, and concerned authorities over worsening heatwave conditions across India, highlighting the need for region-specific climate adaptation measures.

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• The National Green Tribunal took suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the severe heatwave conditions affecting public health, education, productivity, and the overall economy.
• The Tribunal sought replies from the Central Government, various State Governments, and other concerned agencies regarding measures being taken to address extreme heat conditions.
• According to observations cited by the NGT, several parts of northwest, western, central, eastern, and peninsular India have been experiencing exceptionally high temperatures.
• The Tribunal noted that Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded the country’s highest temperature of 48°C, while Delhi continued to remain under persistent heatwave conditions.
• NGT emphasized that heatwaves are no longer isolated weather events but a growing environmental and public health challenge requiring urgent policy intervention.
• The Tribunal observed that urban and rural areas face different heat-related vulnerabilities and therefore require separate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
• It stressed the need for a comprehensive policy framework with region-specific action plans, climate resilience measures, and long-term adaptation planning.
• The matter highlights increasing concerns over climate change impacts in India and the importance of strengthening heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations.