+
India faces its longest heat wave ever
ECONOMY & POLICY

India faces its longest heat wave ever

The chief meteorologist for the government declared that the current heatwave in India is the longest it has ever been, but he also issued a warning that the country's temperatures will continue to rise. Since mid-May, a heatwave has engulfed parts of northern India, with temperatures rising to over 45 degrees Celsius.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the head of India's Meteorological Department (IMD), stated in an interview with the Indian Express daily that the ongoing spell of heat has been the longest, having been experienced for about 24 days across different parts of the country. He anticipated a decline in temperatures as the annual monsoon rains progress northward this month. However, Mohapatra cautioned that if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken, heatwaves will become more frequent, enduring, and intense.

Mohapatra noted that India, being the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged to transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2070, following the lead of most industrialised Western nations by two decades. Presently, the country heavily relies on coal for power generation. He attributed the escalating concentration of carbon monoxide, methane, and chlorocarbons to human activities, population growth, industrialization, and transportation mechanisms, emphasising the threat posed not only to the present generation but also to future ones.

According to scientific research, climate change is exacerbating heatwaves, making them longer, more frequent, and more intense. The recent heatwave in New Delhi matched the capital's previous record high temperature of 49.2°C (120.5°F) recorded in 2022.

As people sought relief from the sweltering conditions, the electricity grid struggled under a record peak power demand of 8,302 megawatts. On May 29, an automatic weather station in the Delhi suburb of Mungeshpur reported a high temperature of 52.9°C (127.2°F), although it was later revealed to be the result of a faulty sensor. Mohapatra explained that an expert committee was formed to investigate, which discovered issues with the sensor after examining readings for the subsequent two days. Mohapatra further mentioned that while the automatic weather stations are inspected every six months, disruptions caused by birds or monkeys could occur in between.      

The chief meteorologist for the government declared that the current heatwave in India is the longest it has ever been, but he also issued a warning that the country's temperatures will continue to rise. Since mid-May, a heatwave has engulfed parts of northern India, with temperatures rising to over 45 degrees Celsius.Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the head of India's Meteorological Department (IMD), stated in an interview with the Indian Express daily that the ongoing spell of heat has been the longest, having been experienced for about 24 days across different parts of the country. He anticipated a decline in temperatures as the annual monsoon rains progress northward this month. However, Mohapatra cautioned that if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken, heatwaves will become more frequent, enduring, and intense.Mohapatra noted that India, being the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged to transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2070, following the lead of most industrialised Western nations by two decades. Presently, the country heavily relies on coal for power generation. He attributed the escalating concentration of carbon monoxide, methane, and chlorocarbons to human activities, population growth, industrialization, and transportation mechanisms, emphasising the threat posed not only to the present generation but also to future ones.According to scientific research, climate change is exacerbating heatwaves, making them longer, more frequent, and more intense. The recent heatwave in New Delhi matched the capital's previous record high temperature of 49.2°C (120.5°F) recorded in 2022.As people sought relief from the sweltering conditions, the electricity grid struggled under a record peak power demand of 8,302 megawatts. On May 29, an automatic weather station in the Delhi suburb of Mungeshpur reported a high temperature of 52.9°C (127.2°F), although it was later revealed to be the result of a faulty sensor. Mohapatra explained that an expert committee was formed to investigate, which discovered issues with the sensor after examining readings for the subsequent two days. Mohapatra further mentioned that while the automatic weather stations are inspected every six months, disruptions caused by birds or monkeys could occur in between.      

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Naidu Seeks Rs 563 Crore For AP Sports Infrastructure

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought Rs 563 crore from the Centre to boost sports infrastructure in the state, including Rs 538 crore for stadium development and Rs 25 crore to host the Khelo India Martial Arts Games 2025. Naidu made the request during a meeting with Union Youth Services and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on Wednesday.The CM urged early completion of Khelo India infrastructure projects in Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, and Narasaraopeta, and called for an international-standard badminton training centre and a national aquatic sports hu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tough Bidding Norms Slow NHAI Road Project Awards

Stringent bidding rules imposed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) have led to a slowdown in project awards by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), despite a robust Rs 3.5 trillion pipeline. According to an HDFC Securities report, the shift to more cautious developer models now favours firms with strong balance sheets, as tighter qualification norms limit aggressive bidders.The revised norms mandate additional performance security, targeting the exclusion of players that previously submitted low bids—often 25 to 40 per cent below NHAI cost estimates—raisin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai Gets Coastal Nod for Next Promenade Phase

As Mumbai prepares to open two major sections of its expansive seafront promenade this week, the city’s civic authority has secured a key coastal clearance to advance further construction. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved the commencement of work on the segment between Haji Ali and Baroda Palace, with tendering expected soon after project cost assessments.The promenade, stretching 7.5 km in length and 20 metres wide, is being designed as a flagship open space for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Two critical stretches—2.75 km from Tata Garden to Haji Al..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?