Maharashtra is experiencing intense summer heat, with cities like Akola in the Vidarbha region recording temperatures as high as 44.2 °C, often ranking among the world’s hottest locations.

Data from the Maharashtra Health Department shows 115 deaths due to cardiovascular disease across government-run health facilities, 55 cases of heat stroke cases, and two suspected heat stroke deaths from March 1 to April 26 this year.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Dr Mahaveer Golechha, a noted heat health expert, chalked out a series of action points to reduce heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Golechha led the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Centre of Excellence on Heat Health.

He has also led a Department of Science and Technology (DST)-funded project to develop and implement heat action plans in Nagpur and Chandrapur. His work focused on measures to reduce heat exposure and improve public safety.…