Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Heatwave, labour welfare, workplace safety
Mains: GS Paper 2 & 3 — Governance, Social Justice, Disaster Management

Why in News?

The Union government has directed States to implement immediate measures to protect workers from extreme heat conditions, especially in labour-intensive sectors like construction.

What is a Heatwave?

A heatwave is:
→A prolonged period of excessively high temperatures

➤ Declared by:

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) based on temperature thresholds

Why Workers Are at Risk

• Continuous exposure to sunlight
• Physically demanding labour
• Lack of hydration
• Limited rest breaks

Key Measures Suggested

1. Rescheduling Work Hours

• Avoid peak heat periods

2. Providing Drinking Water

• Ensure hydration facilities

3. Rest Areas

• Shaded and cooled spaces

4. Health Measures

• Regular check-ups
• Ice packs and cooling methods

Additional Recommendations

• Slowing down work pace during extreme heat
• Special focus on:
  • Construction workers
  • Brick kiln labourers
  • Daily wage workers

Governance Dimension

• Multi-dimensional approach needed:
  • Labour welfare
  • Health coordination
  • Disaster preparedness

Why This Matters

• Rising temperatures due to:
  → Climate change
• Increasing frequency of:
  → Heatwaves in India

India-Specific Significance

• Large informal workforce
• High dependence on outdoor labour

→ Makes workers:

• Highly vulnerable

Key Insight for UPSC

→ Heatwaves are NOT just environmental issues

They are also:

• Public health crises
• Labour rights issues

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Heatwaves are declared by:

A. WHO
B. IMD
C. NITI Aayog
D. Ministry of Health

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Which of the following is a heatwave prevention measure?

1. Hydration
2. Rest breaks
3. Exposure to sunlight

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: A

Q3. Which sector is most affected by heatwaves?

A. IT sector
B. Agriculture and construction
C. Banking
D. Education

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Heatwaves are linked to:

A. Climate change
B. Ocean currents
C. Trade policies
D. Migration

✅ Answer: A

Q5. Labour welfare falls under:

A. GS Paper 1
B. GS Paper 2
C. GS Paper 3
D. GS Paper 4

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Heatwaves in India are emerging as a major public health and labour welfare challenge.”
Discuss with reference to recent government measures. (250 words)

FAQs

1. What is a heatwave?

A prolonged period of excessively high temperature.

2. Why are workers vulnerable?

Due to prolonged exposure and physical labour.

3. What measures are suggested?

Rest breaks, hydration, cooling, and health monitoring.

4. Why is this important?

To prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 2 & GS Paper 3.