In New Delhi, the government urges the proclamation of a nationwide emergency.
During the scorching heatwave that has gripped India, a court has instructed the government in New Delhi to announce a nationwide emergency. The court in Rajasthan's western region made this decision on Thursday, as it noted that numerous people have succumbed to the intense heat this month. The authorities were criticized for not implementing adequate measures to protect the populace.
In addition, the court mandated the creation of state funds to remunerate the families of those lost to the heat. Moving forward, India was ordered to consider declaring future heatwaves as "national disasters." This would enable swift mobilization of emergency assistance, similar to what's done during floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
"We only have one planet at our disposal, where we can't simply relocate. If we don't take decisive action at this moment, we'll forego the chance to lead future generations towards a promising future," the court emphasized.
Currently, India is battling a severe heatwave, with many major cities facing temperatures surpassing 45 degrees Celsius in the recent past.
The highest registered temperature of 51 degrees occurred in Phalodi's desert region of Rajasthan in 2016.
Read also:
- The government in New Delhi, facing criticism for inadequate heatwave protection measures, is now under court order to establish new state funds to compensate families affected by the emergency situation.
- Following the heatwave-related fatalities in India, the court in Delhi's neighboring state, Rajasthan, urged the federal government to declare future severe heatwaves as national disasters, thus facilitating prompt emergency response efforts.
- Amidst the ongoing government call for a nationwide emergency due to the Delhi heatwave, authorities in India are challenged with implementing new measures to combat the emergency situation, as urged by both their nation's court and the pressing global need for effective climate action.
