Overview
- Media-based analysis by HeatWatch documents at least 84 heatstroke deaths from February to July 2025, compared with 14 officially confirmed by NCDC between March 1 and June 24.
- NCDC data obtained via RTI also show 7,192 suspected heatstroke cases, while HeatWatch tracked 2,287 heat-related illnesses and warns the true burden is higher due to underreporting.
- Maharashtra recorded the most media-reported deaths (17), followed by Uttar Pradesh and Telangana (15 each), with victims largely elderly people, outdoor workers and daily wage labourers.
- The report criticises IMD alerts for focusing on air temperature rather than combined heat–humidity indices such as WBGT, noting multiple fatalities on days without official warnings.
- Recommendations include a national heat protection law with mid‑day work bans, shaded rest areas, hydration access, enforceable work‑rest cycles, and a public central registry of heatstroke cases.