44°C and rising, activist calls for ‘heat shelters’ for public

Raipur: With temperatures already breaching 44°C across parts of Chhattisgarh and heat stress intensifying, Raipur-based environmentalist has flagged the looming threat of extreme heat and urged the state to set up solar-powered, air-conditioned community "heat shelters" as a frontline response to the climate crisis.In a letter written to state chief secretary, the environmentalist Nitin Singhviurged that amid global climate trends remain alarming, the state must prioritise local preparedness — calling for climate-resilient community centres where people can take refuge during heatwaves, alongside stronger health systems to handle heat stroke and related illnesses.Singhvi expressed concern that rising temperatures, weakening monsoons and escalating climate risks could soon make survival itself difficult for large sections of the population, particularly the poor and those working outdoors.Citing global scientific assessments, Singhvi warned that the world is already nearing 1.5°C warming above pre-industrial levels and could face unprecedented heat extremes by 2040 if current trends continue."If the present trend continues… we may start facing the deadliest heat waves in human history," the letter stated, adding that climate change could trigger more frequent floods, droughts, wildfires, crop failures, disease outbreaks and water shortages.Apart from heat shelters, the environmentalist recommended urban forests on govt land to reduce heat, panchayat-level early warning systems, and large-scale public awareness campaigns on climate risks. He also called for strengthening primary health centres to deal with climate-linked illnesses.Urging authorities to take the crisis seriously, Singhvi said Chhattisgarh still has a window to act. "Even small but sincere steps taken today can save countless lives tomorrow," he wrote.
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