NEW DELHI: Highlighting that at least 3,639 people reportedly died from exposure to cold waves across different states between 2019 and 2023, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the states and union territories from where these cases were reported to take preventive measures to protect homeless and vulnerable people during winter.The commission has written to 19 states and four UTs for preemptive steps and relief measures to protect vulnerable segments, especially newborns, infants, children, the poor, elderly, homeless and destitute, and people involved in beggary, who are at risk due to lack of shelter and resources. The commission has also sought action taken reports from the authorities in this regard.Of the 3,639 deaths reported due to exposure to cold between 2019 and 2023, as per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data on accidental deaths, UP reported the maximum number (797), followed by Punjab (734), Bihar (589), Jharkhand (515) and Haryana (320). Among union territories, Ladakh reported as many as 58 deaths.If one looks at causes attributable to ‘forces of nature’ in NCRB’s latest ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India’ report for 2023, the number of deaths due to ‘heat/sun stroke’, ‘exposure to cold’ and tornado increased over 2022. Out of 6,444 accidental deaths due to ‘forces of nature’ in 2023, 12.5% were due to ‘heat/sun stroke’ (804 deaths) and 11.4% deaths due to ‘exposure to cold’ (733). Out of 8,060 accidental deaths due to ‘forces of nature’ in 2022, 9.1% deaths were due to ‘heat/sun stroke’ (730), and 8.9% were due to ‘exposure to cold’ (720).Acknowledging that changing weather patterns on account of climate change affect human rights, the commission, in its letter, reiterated the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines for mitigating the impact of cold waves. These include establishing treatment protocols, setting up day and night shelters, providing medical care and implementing standard treatment procedures for cold-related illnesses, and ensuring oversight of relief efforts.
