India lacks reliable data on heatstroke and heat-related deaths, with experts warning that the true impact of extreme heat may be significantly underestimated. Speaking at the India Heat Summit 2025, Health Ministry Advisor Dr. Soumya Swaminathan emphasized that the limited number of recorded fatalities is likely just the surface of a much larger crisis. She pointed to weak and inconsistent death-reporting systems across states as a major barrier to understanding the full scope of heat-related health consequences.
Dr. Swaminathan stressed the need for stronger, centralized data systems to inform government policy. She proposed the creation of an environmental health hub that brings together the ministries of health, environment, and earth sciences to coordinate data sharing and implement actionable strategies. She also cautioned against focusing solely on mortality figures, stating that heat exposure’s broader impact on public health, productivity, and economic output is equally critical.
Chandni Singh, a researcher at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, echoed these concerns, noting the absence of a comprehensive national database. Though some information is available through programs like the National Centre for Disease Control’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), as well as data from the India Meteorological Department and the National Crime Records Bureau, the figures often conflict. For instance, between 2015 and 2019, the NCDC reported 3,775 heat-related deaths, while the NCRB recorded 6,537 for the same period.
Despite the increase in the number of local heat action plans, experts argue that many are developed in isolation by technical teams with little involvement from affected communities. Swaminathan noted a lack of on-the-ground verification and public feedback in these plans, which limits their effectiveness.
Krishna Vatsa of the National Disaster Management Authority highlighted the absence of a dedicated academic or technical center focused on heat preparedness. He emphasized the need for skilled institutions that can assist local governments in creating and refining heat action plans, warning that relying solely on administrative officials would result in subpar strategies without adequate technical training and guidance.
As India faces rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, experts agree that improving data collection and community engagement is essential to address this growing public health threat.
