The scorching heat in Kolkata has left commuters seeking refuge in glass-walled bus shelters with malfunctioning air conditioners, leading to sauna-like conditions inside. Despite plans to install 300 cooled cabins to combat the extreme heat, only a few are operational, leaving users sweltering.
With temperatures exceeding 40C, Mayor Firhad Hakim expressed frustration at the ineffective cooling systems, stating, “You feel suffocated.” The lack of adequate preparations for extreme heat in Kolkata and across India has resulted in a death toll of over 24,000 since 1992.
Kolkata, ranked as one of the most at-risk locations by the IPCC, faces challenges due to its hot, humid climate and proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The city lacks a formal strategy to handle heat waves, leaving residents vulnerable.
As temperatures soar, hospitals like SSKM Hospital are seeing an increase in heat-induced illnesses, with poorer residents being disproportionately affected. The lack of preparedness and planning for extreme heat has become a pressing issue, with the ongoing national election further complicating the situation.
Efforts to address the heat crisis include ensuring adequate water supplies and having paramedics on standby. However, the focus on crisis management rather than preparedness has been criticized by experts, highlighting the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme temperatures.
As the city grapples with rising temperatures and dwindling green cover, the urgency to implement effective heat action plans and sustainable solutions becomes increasingly apparent. The failure to address these issues could have dire consequences for the residents of Kolkata and other vulnerable regions in India.