Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre on PIL Seeking Heatwave Relief Action Plan

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Centre within two weeks on a PIL filed by environmentalist Vikrant Tongad, urging effective implementation of the 2019 NDMA Heat Wave Management Guidelines. 

The plea calls for early warning systems, 24*7 heat helplines, heat alerts, green infrastructure, and minimum wage protections for vulnerable workers during extreme heat.

The bench led by CJI BR Gavai emphasized the urgency of institutional reforms to address the climate-induced heat crisis, directing ministries and NDMA to file replies, underscoring the rising toll of heatwaves nationwide.