CEED’s report reveals 590 heatwave days in 35 years, and a 300% increase in frequency in the state
Ranchi, 27 May 2027: The Center for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) convened a stakeholder consultation today and released a research report titled Scorching Reality: Rising Heatwaves in India – The Case of Jharkhand. The event sought to deepen a data-driven dialogue on the escalating threat of extreme heat in Jharkhand and to accelerate the development of region-specific action plans and adaptation strategies. The consultation brought together senior officials from the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, the Indian Meteorological Centre (Ranchi), academic institutions and representatives of civil society organisations engaged in community livelihoods, public health, rural development, and climate resilience.
The report presents an in-depth analysis of heatwave trends in Jharkhand over 35 years (1990–2024), drawing on data from the Indian Meteorological Department. It reveals a significant rise in heatwave incidents—590 heatwave days were recorded, marking a staggering 300% increase in frequency. A distinct seasonal trend was identified, with the majority of heatwave days occurring in May (275 days), followed by April (183) and June (132). Regionally, districts in western and central Jharkhand—such as Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, and Simdega—reported the highest frequency of heatwave events. In contrast, eastern districts like Godda and Sahibganj experienced relatively fewer instances. The findings underscore the growing intensity and regularity of extreme temperature events in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Shri. A.K. Rastogi, IFS (Retd.), Chairperson, Task Force-Sustainable Just Transition, Govt. of Jharkhand, said that climate impacts are witnessed everywhere. Extreme weather events and rising heat waves disproportionately impact the working poor, particularly those in outdoor and informal sectors. He suggested about the development of heat action plans and cooling plans for the identified regions and districts, drawing on proven best practices and case studies to reduce health and economic losses.
Shri. Ravi Ranjan, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-CAMPA and State Nodal Officer for Climate Change, Govt. of Jharkhand, emphasised the need for adaptive strategies to counter extreme heat’s environmental and economic impacts. He shared the insights on ten priority areas identified under the recently updated State Action Plan of Climate Change, and underscored the need for preparedness plans that balance short-term emergency response with long-term resilience planning.
Highlighting the broader objectives of the event, Mr. Ramapati Kumar, CEO of CEED, underscored that leveraging scientific data, local knowledge, and community insights will be central to building a climate action framework for Jharkhand. He stressed that convergence efforts across departments, agencies and key stakeholders are essential to create a resilient and heat-prepared future.
Dr. Abhishek Anand, Scientist and Director, Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, explained that the increasing frequency of heatwaves is a scientifically validated trend, directly linked to shifting climate patterns and their local impacts. He pointed out that bridging the gap between scientific data, policy steps, and community-level action is a critical need.
Dr. Geeta Simes, a public health expert, elucidated how heatwaves pose a growing public health emergency, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised communities. She further added that rising temperatures are directly contributing to increased cases of heat-related illness, mortality, and overall public health burdens.
The consultation concluded with a shared understanding on the need for decentralised, inclusive, and science-informed strategies to strengthen heatwave resilience in Jharkhand. Key takeaways of the discussion included developing localised heat action plans and cooling action plans, upgrading healthcare infrastructure, expanding urban shed and green cover, ensuring uninterrupted electricity for cooling access, and building strong coordination mechanisms among government bodies, community organisations, and civil society networks for better management and resilience measures, etc.
Notes to the Editor:
Weblink of the report: https://shorturl.at/ZgMI1
