India is currently facing one of its most severe heatwave streaks ever, with many regions experiencing consistent temperatures exceeding 50ºC. In Delhi, an outlier temperature above 52ºC was reported, breaking the city’s previous record of 49.2ºC from 20021. The situation has become critical, prompting the Rajasthan High Court to urge the central government to declare a national emergency.

The court emphasized the urgency of taking strict action to prevent further loss of life and secure the future for generations to come. In light of the ongoing heatwave, which has killed hundreds of people throughout the country, the Rajasthan High Court urged the central government to declare a national emergency on Thursday. This happened when temperatures in several places, including Sirsa, Churu, Pholodi, and Nagpur, exceeded 50 degrees.

Rajasthan High Court
Image Source:World Meteorological Organization WMO

“We do not have a planet B which we can move onto…If we do not take strict action now, we will lose the chance of seeing out future generations flourish forever,” the court declared on Thursday, adding that the government should declare it a "national calamity."

The action would allow for the mobilisation of emergency relief in a way similar to natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.

The court also highlighted the need for a legislative response. The proposed “Prevention of Death Due to Heat and Cold Waves Bill 2015” would classify heatwaves and cold waves as a national emergency, providing a legal framework for addressing such extreme weather events.

The court additionally directed the state government to set up compensation funds for the relatives of anyone who dies from heat-related illnesses, stressing the administration's failure to act adequately for those affected by the heatwaves.

Despite these efforts, the death toll continues to rise, with hundreds of lives lost this month due to the intense heatwave.

In addition to Delhi, other cities in northern India have also witnessed scorching temperatures above 45ºC. Meanwhile, Bihar reported that 10 poll workers were among the 14 individuals who perished from heatstroke.

As the heatwave persists, citizens in affected states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, head to the polls for the final round of voting.

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