Eastern India Faces Rising Heat Risks, Women Most Vulnerable
Eastern India Faces Rising Heat Risks, Women Most Vulnerable
IN · Published Sep 29, 2026
• The summer of 2026 has brought record-breaking temperatures and prolonged heatwaves to Eastern India, particularly in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
• These states are experiencing severe heat stress, with 33% of Jharkhand's districts and 56% of Chhattisgarh's districts classified as high-risk for extreme heat, according to the CEEW Heat Risk Index.

Impact & Risks

The intensifying heat stress in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh poses significant risks to public health, agriculture, and livelihoods. Women, particularly those in rural areas and climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses and economic hardship. The lack of adequate cooling infrastructure and social protections further exacerbates these vulnerabilities. The increasing frequency of heatwaves, with Jharkhand experiencing a 300% rise in heatwave days since 1990, highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks.

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