Team Blitz India
RELENTLESS heatwave has swept across several regions of India, surpassing initial forecasts and lasting longer than anticipated. The toll has been severe, with over casualties reported predominantly in Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The temperature in these areas has soared above 45 degrees Celsius, exacerbating discomfort and posing significant challenges to daily life.
As the scorching temperatures persist, the gradual onset of monsoon offers a glimmer of relief. However, attention remains firmly fixed on addressing the aftermath of the heatwave and preparing for the impending monsoon season. Defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heatwave is characterised by maximum temperatures of at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains and 30 degrees Celsius in hill districts. Beyond the immediate discomfort it brings, a heatwave presents multifaceted challenges across various sectors of the economy. Let’s delve into diverse implications of heatwave and its impact from various perspectives.
Surge in power demand
India’s peak power demand surged to a new record of 250 GW on May 30, as much of northern India grappled with severe heatwave conditions. The national Capital recorded scorching temperatures. Such extremes in heatwave conditions lead to a surge in the use of cooling appliances, driving up power demand. The northern region, particularly affected by the heatwave, saw its power demand reach an all-time high of 86.7 GW. Similarly, the western region also touched a record demand of 74.8 GW, highlighting the widespread impact of the heatwave on power consumption.
Thermal power generation, especially during non-solar hours, reached an all-time high of 176 GW. To cope with the rising demand, the Government has mandated imported coal-based plants to operate at their full capacity till September 2024.
Heatwave hits efficiency
The country is expected to witness a peak demand of up to 260 GW during the ongoing summer, further emphasising the need for capacity addition in thermal power plants and full utilisation of gas-based power plants. Heatwaves adversely affect the efficiency of power generation sources, particularly solar and wind. Solar panel efficiency decreases with rising temperatures, resulting in lower electricity generation. Similarly, wind turbine efficiency is also impacted, leading to reduced output. Gasbased generation also faces challenges as increased air temperature leads to derating effects, reducing capacity and efficiency.
Dire water shortages
Amidst the scorching heatwave, water shortages have become increasingly dire, leading to distressing scenes of animals collapsing and people scrambling in for access to water, prompting drastic measures from both individuals and authorities.
As temperatures surge, so does the demand for water. This surge in demand coincides with reduced in water supply, as heatwaves often accompany droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, leading to dwindling river flows, depleted groundwater reserves, and the drying up of lakes and reservoirs.
This dual impact of increased demand and reduced supply amplifies the challenges, straining existing water infrastructure, threatening crop yields, disrupting ecosystems, and exacerbating mental and physical e health concerns.
Agricultural anguish
Heatwaves exert profound effects on agriculture sector, impacting crop production, livestock, and overall agricultural productivity. High temperatures and intense sunlight during heatwaves induce heat stress in crops, leading to reduced yields, water stress, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Livestock experience heat stress, resulting in reduced feed intake, lower milk production, and higher mortality rates. These challenges threaten rural er livelihoods, exacerbating income losses, food insecurity, and vulnerability among farming households.
