Heatwaves in India: Impact on Labour Productivity, Agriculture & Economy

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Heatwaves in India Latest News

India experienced an early and intense heatwave in 2025, with temperatures rising as early as late February. The early arrival of the monsoon brought some relief, but the economic and human toll of extreme heat remains severe.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 70% of global workers face heat exposure risks, with India losing an estimated $100 billion due to heat-induced productivity losses. Informal workers—such as farmers, construction labourers, street vendors, and delivery personnel—are particularly vulnerable.
Agriculture is significantly affected, as studies show that a 1°C rise in temperature can reduce wheat yields by 5.2%.

Heatwaves—periods of abnormally high temperatures—typically strike India between March and June, peaking in May.
Central, Northwest, East, and North Peninsular India are the most affected.
A report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shows that 57% of Indian districts, home to 76% of the population, are at high or very high heat risk.
States like Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu are particularly vulnerable.
Heat extremes have increased linearly from 1981 to 2022, with severe waves in 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2024.

Urbanisation has worsened heatwave impacts. Cities absorb and retain more heat, making nights warmer—a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect.
This reduces relief during nights, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, thereby affecting sleep and overall recovery from daytime heat.

India’s workforce is highly vulnerable to heat. A 2022 World Bank report states that 75% of the workforce (380 million people) is exposed to heat-intensive work.
India could face 34 million job losses due to heat stress by 2030.
Informal sector workers suffer the most, with net earnings in Delhi dropping by 40% during heatwaves.
These workers are often unable to attend work, sleep poorly, and face increased illness in their households during extreme heat.

Factory and blue-collar workers also experience reduced output.
A 2021 study led by Dr. Somanathan found that each 1°C increase in temperature could reduce manufacturing output by 2%.
Rising absenteeism and declining efficiency are common during hot days.
Improving worker productivity could drive employers to invest in heat-protection measures.

In rural India, summer is typically a lean farming season, but many shift to non-farm jobs like construction and road building, increasing their exposure.
Livestock are also susceptible to heat stress, especially when temperature and humidity exceed certain thresholds.
Enforcement of animal welfare guidelines remains weak among small and marginal farmers.

Heatwaves worsen when combined with droughts or food shortages.
Unseasonal high temperatures—like those in early March or late October—can damage crops and affect productivity even outside the peak heatwave season.

The Central and State governments are actively addressing heatwave challenges.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued comprehensive guidelines to safeguard workers.
These emphasize education, regulated work hours, access to water, medical aid, and suitable clothing, and serve as templates for city and town-level heatwave action plans.

Many States and cities have adopted localized heat action plans, some extending down to the ward level.
These plans incorporate:
- Short-term solutions: Water stations, shaded public shelters (e.g., cool bus stops).
- Long-term strategies: Urban greening and expanding water bodies.
- For instance, Chennai has mapped urban heat islands and integrated this data into its city master plan.

Most current heatwave preparedness focuses on urban areas due to their dense populations and infrastructure.
However, experts warn that rural regions face serious risks due to:

States can utilize the State Disaster Management Fund to address immediate needs during heatwaves.
However, experts stress the importance of long-term investments and strategic planning, especially in cities, to build resilient infrastructure and execute comprehensive heat action plans.

To safeguard incomes, especially for informal workers, mechanisms like heat insurance are being explored.
Under such models, workers contribute small premiums and receive compensation if a heatwave halts work.
However, implementation challenges remain significant.