Maharashtra is witnessing a worrying spike in heatstroke cases, with 34 incidents reported in just the first ten days of April 2025, already surpassing the 24 recorded in the same period last year.
Buldhana tops the chart with six cases, while Gadchiroli, Nagpur, and Parbhani have each logged four. Although no official fatalities have been confirmed, a suspected heat-related death of an 11-year-old boy has been reported in Buldhana.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and surrounding districts, warning of a 3–4°C rise in temperatures combined with oppressive humidity.
Doctors caution that heatstroke—marked by high fever, dizziness, and dehydration—can be life-threatening. Immediate care includes moving the person to a cooler area, offering fluids, and, if needed, administering IV therapy.
Despite the crisis, Maharashtra’s 16-point Heat Action Plan, drafted after the deadly Kharghar rally in 2023, remains poorly implemented. BMC-run gardens still close during peak heat hours, while labourers—including pregnant women under MGNREGA—work without shade or water.
However, some progress is being made. Maharashtra has partnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to promote passive cooling and sustainable infrastructure. Hospitals are setting up heat emergency beds, and the upcoming State Institute of Disaster Management promises better coordination.
Additionally, the state has introduced India’s first climate-responsive budget, requiring all departments to integrate climate risk planning.
Still, rural health systems lack trained staff and equipment to accurately diagnose heat-related deaths—an issue experts say must be urgently addressed.
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