Are India’s politicians paying lip service on climate change in election amid heatwave?

Rapid urbanisation and unplanned development in India have led to the removal of green spaces, worsened air pollution and increased the risks of extreme heat. Burning coal, oil and gas that induce warming have exacerbated weather changes.

Ponds and lakes are drying up as rainfall patterns have become more erratic. India’s tech capital Bengaluru experienced a crippling water shortage in March and April.

In the northern Indian city of Allahabad, schools have continued to open even with the mercury touching 45 degrees.

Several provinces in India are undertaking steps such as early warning systems and heat-mitigating plans for schools.

But the question is whether such measures are being implemented on the ground. Executing plans is not always easy, as it requires resources and innovative solutions.

Heatwaves are projected to come earlier, stay longer, and become more frequent. Consequently, there has been a rise in heat-related deaths, unbearable working conditions and a rampant spread of insect-borne diseases.

Even the timing of India’s election cycles has come under focus, and questions have been raised if the current election should have been held in less severe weather. Ten people reportedly died in the southern Indian state of Kerala last month while waiting in queues to vote due to heat-related stress.

O.P. Rawat, a former Chief Election Commissioner of India, said there was a narrow window to hold the ongoing election, and it could not be held in cooler weather as sufficient time was required to organise state elections.

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Climate experts say there are many missing elements in the heat action plans of Indian provinces, as they resemble