India's Escalating Heat Waves Expose Deep Social Inequities

Undercounting of heat-related deaths hampers effective response and exacerbates vulnerabilities among marginalized communities.

Rising temperatures have disproportionately affected lower caste and economically disadvantaged groups in India.
Experts estimate that the true number of heat-related deaths is significantly higher than official figures suggest.
Heat waves have forced many to reduce working hours, further straining their financial situations.
Current government measures are inadequate, with calls for a legally binding heat-action plan and better data collection.
Activists emphasize the need for equitable policies to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions.