Heatwaves, despite their increasing frequency and severity, have not been classified as a notified disaster in India. This omission is significant as it affects the allocation of resources and the formulation of effective response strategies to mitigate their impact. The absence of official disaster status means that the comprehensive planning, funding, and administrative attention required to address the repercussions of heatwaves are often inadequate. As climate change continues to escalate the intensity and duration of heat waves, the necessity for their recognition as a disaster becomes increasingly urgent. Integrating heatwaves into the disaster management framework could enhance preparedness, reduce mortality, and mitigate socioeconomic losses, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in disaster policy and management in India.
Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Climate Change- Disaster- Heat Wave
Why in the news?
- The current extreme heatwave across the country has reignited discussions about including heatwaves as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005.
- If this inclusion occurs, states will be able to use disaster response funds to provide compensation, relief, and manage the effects of heatwaves.
What is the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005?
- About:
- The Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005, serves as a comprehensive legal framework aimed at establishing and regulating disaster management policies and procedures across India.
- It delineates roles and responsibilities at the national, state, and district levels to ensure effective disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation strategies.
Key Features:
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- Headed by the Prime Minister, responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management at the national level.
- State and District Disaster Management Authorities
- State Authorities, chaired by the Chief Minister, oversee the implementation of national disaster management policies within states.
- District Authorities, chaired by the District Magistrate, are responsible for disaster management activities at the district level.
- National Executive Committee (NEC)
- Comprises secretaries of various ministries, assisting the NDMA in coordinating disaster response and relief efforts.
- National Plan and State Plans
- Mandates the formulation of a National Plan by the NDMA and State Plans by respective State Disaster Management Authorities to guide disaster management actions.
- Disaster Response and Mitigation Funds
- Establishment of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide immediate relief and response during disasters.
- Creation of National Disaster Mitigation Fund and State Disaster Mitigation Funds for long-term disaster risk reduction and mitigation efforts.
- Community Participation
- Promotes community-based disaster management initiatives and awareness programs.
- Involves local bodies and communities in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation activities to enhance resilience and responsiveness.
What are notified disasters?
- Notified disasters refer to specific types of calamities officially recognized and listed by the government under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005.
- These disasters receive special consideration and management to ensure systematic and structured response and relief efforts.
- This often involves the allocation of dedicated funds and resources to mitigate their impact.
Categories of Notified Disasters under DM Act, 2005:
- The DM Act, 2005 categorises notified disasters into 12 types: Cyclone ,Drought, Earthquake ,Fire, Flood, Tsunami, Hailstorm, Landslide, Avalanche, Cloudburst, Pest attack, Frost and cold waves.
- These disasters qualify for relief assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Heatwaves – not included as notified disasters:
- Heatwaves have been a regular occurrence in India, traditionally not categorised as disasters when the Disaster Management Act was enacted in 2005 due to their frequent nature during summers.
- However, there is now a growing push to classify heat waves as notified disasters.
- This is driven by the rising severity and frequency of heatwaves, exacerbated by increased outdoor economic activities that expose more people to heat stroke risks.
- Currently, 23 states, along with vulnerable cities, have devised Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to manage extreme heat impacts.
- HAPs include creating shaded areas, ensuring access to cool water, distributing oral rehydration solutions, and adjusting school, college, and office schedules.
- Despite these efforts, state governments face challenges funding these measures through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), prompting calls for heat waves to be officially recognized under the DM Act.
Why is the Centre not adding heat waves as a notified disaster now?
- Reluctance of the Finance Commission:
- The 15th Finance Commission, whose current recommendations are operational, expressed reluctance towards adding heat waves to the list of notified disasters.
- It argued that the existing list already adequately addresses state needs and did not advocate for including heatwaves.
- Instead, the Commission supported a provision allowing states to allocate up to 10% of their State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for local disasters like heat waves or lightning, which states can designate themselves.
- Several states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala have utilised this provision to classify heat waves as local disasters.
- Practical Difficulties:
- Under current regulations, the government would be obligated to provide Rs 4 lakh as compensation for each life lost due to a notified disaster, along with compensation for severe injuries.
- Heatwaves annually claim numerous lives, with over 500 heat-related deaths reported recently, and the number is increasing.
- However, attributing deaths directly to heatwaves is challenging because most fatalities result from pre-existing conditions exacerbated by extreme heat, complicating the determination of direct heat impact compared to other disasters where causality attribution is more straightforward.
- Fund Allocation by the Finance Commission and Associated Challenges:
- The 15th Finance Commission recommended a total allocation of Rs 1,60,153 crore to various State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs) for the period 2021-26.
- States such as Uttar Pradesh received around Rs 11,400 crore, with Maharashtra receiving the highest allocation at approximately Rs 19,000 crore.
- These funds are intended to cover all types of disasters during the specified period.
- However, there are concerns that including heatwaves and lightning as notified disasters could strain these funds, potentially rendering them inadequate to meet future disaster response and relief.
Source: IE
FAQs
1. What is the current status of heatwaves in the disaster management framework in India?
Answer: As of now, heatwaves are not included in the list of notified disasters under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This means that while heatwaves are recognized as significant environmental and health hazards, they do not receive the same level of structured response and relief measures as notified disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones.
2. Why are heatwaves not classified as notified disasters despite their severe impacts?
Answer: One of the primary reasons heatwaves are not classified as notified disasters is the traditional focus on immediate, visible, and large-scale destruction caused by natural disasters like floods and cyclones. Heatwaves, while deadly, often cause incremental harm over time, which can be less immediately apparent. Additionally, there may be gaps in policy prioritization and a lack of comprehensive data on the socioeconomic impacts of heatwaves.
3. What are the consequences of not notifying heatwaves as disasters?
Answer: Without official disaster status, there is limited access to centralized funds and resources for mitigation, preparedness, and relief activities specifically targeting heatwaves. This can result in inadequate early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and emergency response measures. Consequently, vulnerable populations, such as outdoor workers, elderly, and low-income groups, face higher risks without sufficient protective measures.
4. How can notifying heatwaves as disasters improve management and response?
Answer: Notifying heatwaves as disasters would allow for a more structured approach to disaster management, including better resource allocation, funding for research and mitigation strategies, and enhanced public awareness initiatives. It would also facilitate the development of comprehensive action plans at national, state, and local levels, ensuring timely interventions and effective response mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations.
5. What steps can be taken to advocate for the inclusion of heatwaves as notified disasters?
Answer: Advocacy for the inclusion of heatwaves as notified disasters can involve several steps:
- Research and Data Collection: Gather and present detailed data on the impacts of heatwaves on public health, economy, and infrastructure.
- Policy Recommendations: Engage with policymakers to highlight the need for inclusion and present evidence-based recommendations.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Increase public understanding of the severity of heatwaves and build a groundswell of support for policy changes.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work with NGOs, health experts, and climate scientists to build a coalition advocating for this change.
- Highlighting Case Studies: Use examples from regions where heatwave management has been effective after being recognized as a disaster to showcase potential benefits.
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