Heatwaves And Lightning Added To India’s Notified Disaster List
Heatwaves And Lightning Added To India’s Notified Disaster List
Why in the News ?
The Union Government has included heatwaves and lightning in the list of notified natural calamities under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines, enabling States to provide financial relief to affected people.
Key Decision and Major Highlights:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially added heatwaves and lightning to the list of notified natural calamities under the operational guidelines of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
- The decision follows the recommendation of the 16th Finance Commission for the award period 2026–31, considering the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change.
- With this inclusion, State Governments can now utilize SDRF resources to provide:
○ Immediate relief and assistance to affected people.
○ Compensation for eligible losses.
○ Emergency response and disaster management measures.
- According to the Government, between 1 March and 26 July 2026, India reported:
○ 4,853 heatstroke cases
○ 20 confirmed heatstroke deaths
- States reporting the highest number of heatstroke cases included Telangana, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
Significance of the Decision
- The inclusion marks a major shift in India’s disaster risk financing framework, acknowledging heatwaves and lightning as significant climate-induced hazards.
- It enables States to move beyond ad hoc relief measures by providing access to dedicated disaster response funds.
- The decision is expected to:
○ Strengthen climate adaptation strategies.
○ Improve disaster preparedness.
○ Enhance protection for vulnerable populations, particularly urban residents, farmers, and outdoor workers.
○ Encourage better early warning systems and public awareness campaigns.
- The move aligns India’s disaster management framework with the growing scientific evidence linking climate change to the rising occurrence of extreme weather events.
- It also supports long-term efforts to build climate-resilient infrastructure and reduce disaster-related economic losses.
About SDRF, NDRF and Disaster Management :● State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): ○ Primary fund available with State Governments for providing immediate relief during notified disasters. ○ Established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. ● National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): ○ Provides additional financial assistance to States in case of severe natural disasters requiring central support. ● Disaster Management Act, 2005: ○ Provides the legal framework for disaster management in India. ○ Established: ■ National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) ■ State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) ■ District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) ● Previously Notified Natural Calamities: ○ Cyclone ○ Flood ○ Drought ○ Earthquake ○ Tsunami ○ Landslide ○ ○ Cloudburst ○ Hailstorm ○ Fire ○ Pest attack Frost and cold wave |