Examine the intersection of urbanisation, climate change, and public health vulnerabilities in India, with particular reference to the challenges faced by marginalised communities

GS1 Urbanisation
Examine the intersection of urbanisation, climate change, and public health vulnerabilities in India, with particular reference to the challenges faced by marginalised communities in heat-stressed cities.

Examine

  • 15 marks
  • 8 min
  • 250 words
  • Hard

The Hindu

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Introduction

Rapid urbanisation, climate change, and public health vulnerabilities are increasingly intersecting in Indian cities, creating severe socio-environmental challenges. Rising temperatures, urban heat islands, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic inequalities disproportionately affect marginalized communities, making heat stress a major urban governance and public health concern.

Urbanisation and Heat Stress in India

India is urbanizing rapidly, with over 35% of the population living in urban areas. Unplanned urban growth has intensified heat vulnerability through:

  • Loss of green cover and wetlands,
  • Concretization and dense built-up areas,
  • Poor ventilation and overcrowding,
  • Increased vehicular and industrial emissions.

This creates the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where cities become significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas.

Climate Change Dimension

According to the IPCC, heatwaves in South Asia are becoming:

  • More frequent,
  • Longer in duration,
  • More intense.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported a steady rise in extreme heat events across major cities such as Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.

Public Health Vulnerabilities

Extreme heat causes:

  • Heatstroke,
  • Dehydration,
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory stress.

Outdoor workers such as construction laborers, street vendors, and sanitation workers face the highest exposure.

Pressure on Urban Health Systems

  • Increased hospital admissions during heatwaves strain already inadequate public health infrastructure.
  • Poor urban local bodies often lack heat preparedness mechanisms.

Indirect Health Effects

Heat aggravates:

  • Air pollution,
  • Water scarcity,
  • Vector-borne diseases, thereby compounding public health risks.

Challenges Faced by Marginalised Communities

Inadequate Housing

  • Slum dwellers often live in tin-roofed, poorly ventilated structures that trap heat.

Occupational Vulnerability

  • Informal workers cannot afford to stop working during heatwaves, resulting in income and health insecurity.

Unequal Access to Basic Services

Marginalized communities suffer from:

  • Limited access to cooling,
  • Inadequate water supply,
  • Poor healthcare access.

Gender and Age Dimensions

  • Women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable due to biological and socio-economic factors.

Policy Measures and Way Forward

Climate-Resilient Urban Planning

  • Increase urban green spaces and cool roofs.
  • Protect wetlands and water bodies.

Heat Action Plans

  • Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan is a notable example of early warning systems and public awareness.

Strengthening Public Health Systems

  • Establish heat-health surveillance and emergency response mechanisms.

Inclusive Urban Governance

  • Prioritize vulnerable populations in housing, water, and social protection policies.

Labour Protection Measures

  • Mandate heat-safe working conditions and flexible work hours for outdoor workers.

Conclusion

The convergence of urbanisation and climate change is transforming heat stress into a major public health and social justice issue in India. Marginalized communities bear a disproportionate burden due to structural inequalities and inadequate urban planning. Addressing this challenge requires climate-resilient, inclusive, and health-centered urban governance that integrates environmental sustainability with social equity.