New Delhi, October 23: In response to the alarming 3,639 cold wave-related deaths reported between 2019 and 2023, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed 19 state governments and 4 Union Territories (UT) administrations to take proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations as winter approaches.
The NHRC emphasized that climate change-induced weather fluctuations are increasingly impacting human rights, with vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, the homeless, and the destitute most at risk during cold waves. In a statement, the Commission urged authorities to ensure these individuals are provided with adequate shelter and relief.
The NHRC further called for detailed Action-Taken Reports from state and UT authorities regarding steps they have implemented to mitigate the risks of cold waves. The Commission highlighted the importance of raising awareness among officials about the vulnerable populations at heightened risk.
According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report titled Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, 3,639 people tragically lost their lives due to exposure to cold waves over the five-year period. The NHRC referenced these findings in its communication to state and UT administrations, reiterating the guidelines set by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to reduce cold wave fatalities.
Acknowledging the broader impact of climate change, the NHRC stressed its commitment to ensuring that the dignity of the affected populations is upheld, particularly as extreme weather events continue to intensify. The Commission underscored the need for a proactive, coordinated approach to address these challenges.
The NHRC also reiterated several NDMA guidelines to mitigate cold wave effects, which include:
The Commission's call to action aligns with NCRB data from 2023, which found that 11.4% of 6,444 accidental deaths linked to natural forces were attributed to cold exposure.
