Jharsuguda: Jharsuguda town in western Odisha recorded a blistering 45.4°C on Monday, making it the hottest location in India. The intense heatwave has not only disrupted daily life but has also triggered widespread concern among residents, who attribute the rising temperatures to unchecked industrial expansion and deforestation.
Following the recent Nor’westers (Kal Baisakhi), the mercury began climbing sharply, crossing the 40°C mark within days. Streets across the town are largely deserted by mid-morning, as residents avoid venturing outdoors past 10 am.
“This kind of heat was unheard of a few years ago,” said Natwarlal Kedia, a local resident. “The rise in temperature is directly linked to the mushrooming of industries here. Trees have been cut down and now we are paying the price.”
Environmental concerns have taken center stage as citizens point to the region’s industrial boom — marked by thermal power plants, smelters, and heavy manufacturing units — as the root cause of the escalating heat and humidity. The increase in built-up areas and concrete infrastructure has further amplified the urban heat island effect.
“New industrial units are coming up frequently and with each one, the temperature seems to rise,” added Amit Sakunia, another resident. “We desperately need more green cover to balance this out.”
Manish Sharma, a local resident said, “The air conditioners (ACs) are running nonstop now. This kind of lifestyle is unsustainable. If the trend continues, we will see even higher temperatures in the coming days.”
In response to the crisis, the district administration has begun implementing heat mitigation measures.
Temporary shelters made from bamboo, wood, and plastic sheets have been set up at major intersections to provide shade to pedestrians and daily commuters. A dedicated heatstroke treatment unit has also been activated at the district headquarters hospital (DHH) to manage potential medical emergencies.
