Abstract

In 2022 northern India experienced record-breaking heatwaves with temperatures crossing 45°C for prolonged periods. While extreme heat is a climate phenomenon its effects were not felt equally. This paper examines the social dimensions of heatwave vulnerability focusing on marginalized groups such as outdoor workers slum dwellers elderly citizens and the urban poor. It argues that heatwaves have become recurring public health disasters in India and their disproportionate impact reflects underlying socio-economic inequalities.