Experts, health professionals and community representatives on Wednesday called for urgent measures to tackle rising heatwave risks in Punjab, with a focus on cooling infrastructure and community preparedness.
The discussion took place during a workshop on “Heatwaves in Punjab: Science, Health & Community Preparedness” organised by Clean Air Punjab in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department and the Chandigarh Press Club.
Speakers highlighted the growing impact of extreme heat on farmers, gig workers and vulnerable communities. Scientists and agricultural experts discussed changing heatwave patterns, crop stress and the need for improved dissemination of early warnings.
Sanam Sutirath Wazir, Director, Clean Air Punjab, said heatwaves were increasingly affecting vulnerable groups, including farmers and gig workers, and stressed the need for community-led preparedness and accessible cooling spaces.
Across sessions, participants emphasised that heatwaves are not only an environmental concern but a pressing public health and livelihood issue. The need for accessible cooling spaces, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, emerged as a critical intervention. Participants called for coordinated action involving local governments, civil society, and institutions—including the opening of community centres, religious spaces, and public buildings as cooling shelters during extreme heat events.
Health experts warned about the increasing incidence of heat-related illnesses and pressure on healthcare systems. Participants also stressed the need for accessible cooling spaces in urban and semi-urban areas, suggesting the use of community centres, religious places and public buildings as temporary cooling shelters during extreme heat events.
The workshop concluded with a call for coordinated action involving government agencies, civil society and local communities to strengthen heatwave preparedness.
