DW Bureau | Chandigarh, May 7, 2026: A multi-stakeholder workshop on “Heatwaves in Punjab: Science, Health & Community Preparedness” was organised at the Chandigarh Press Club in collaboration with Clean Air Punjab, the Chandigarh Press Club, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), bringing together experts, practitioners, and community representatives to discuss the growing threat of extreme heat in the region.

The session began with opening remarks by Chandigarh Press Club President Saurabh Duggal, followed by a context-setting address by Sanam Sutirath Wazir, Director, Clean Air Punjab, who stressed the importance of placing vulnerable communities at the centre of climate response planning. “Heatwaves are rapidly becoming a lived reality for the most vulnerable—from farmers to gig workers. Preparedness must go beyond awareness and focus on building local systems of care, including accessible cooling spaces and community-led response mechanisms,” said Sanam Sutirath Wazir.

The first panel focused on heatwave science, forecasting systems, and agricultural preparedness. Shivinder Thakur, Scientist at IMD Chandigarh, shared insights into changing heatwave patterns and emphasised the need for effective last-mile dissemination of weather warnings. Agricultural experts, including Dr Prabhjyot Kaur from Punjab Agricultural University and Dr Balbir Singh Khadda, Deputy Director, KVK SAS Nagar, highlighted the increasing stress on crops, soil health, and farmers’ livelihoods due to rising temperatures. Progressive farmers Baldeep Singh and Palwinder Singh also shared field-level experiences and adaptation strategies.

The second panel centred on public health and community response. Dr Nidhi, Nodal Officer, National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health, along with Dr A.K. Mandal, Senior Director (Pulmonology), highlighted the growing incidence of heat-related illnesses and the increasing burden on healthcare systems. Community leader Gurpreet Singh and social media influencer Amandeep Singh underlined the importance of local networks in spreading awareness and enabling timely responses during extreme heat events.

A key focus of the workshop was the experience of gig and informal workers. Tek Chand, a gig worker from Chandigarh, spoke about the challenges faced by outdoor workers with limited access to shade, hydration, and rest. “For workers like us, heat is not just uncomfortable—it becomes dangerous. Cooling spaces and basic support systems can make a real difference to our safety,” he said.

Participants across sessions emphasised that heatwaves are not only an environmental issue but also a serious public health and livelihood concern. The need for accessible cooling spaces in urban and semi-urban areas emerged as a major recommendation. The workshop concluded with a call for coordinated action involving local governments, civil society organisations, and institutions to strengthen community preparedness and protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.