Heatwave as a Notified Disaster

Context:
The recent spell of extreme heat across India has reignited discussions on recognizing heatwaves as a “notified disaster” under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Despite being a common occurrence during Indian summers, heatwaves are currently not classified as disasters under the Act.

What are Notified Disasters?

• The Disaster Management Act defines a disaster as a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence” resulting from natural or human-made causes that leads to significant loss of life, destruction of property, or environmental damage.
• Such an event must also exceed the community’s capacity to cope, allowing the provisions of the Act to be invoked.
• When a disaster is notified, states can access funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). States first utilise the SDRF funds, and if these are insufficient, they can request additional assistance from the NDRF.

Why Are Heatwaves Not Included as Notified Disasters?

Reluctance from the Finance Commission:

• States have repeatedly requested the inclusion of heatwaves in the list of notified disasters, but the Finance Commissions have been hesitant.
• The 15th Finance Commission noted that the existing list of disasters already covers most state needs, and it saw little merit in adding heatwaves.
• However, an enabling provision, supported by the preceding Commission, allows states to use up to 10% of their SDRF for “local disasters” such as heatwaves or lightning, which they can designate independently.
• Using this provision, states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala have categorized heatwaves as local disasters.

Practical Challenges:

• Monetary Compensation: The government must provide Rs. 4 lakh as compensation for every life lost due to a notified disaster, with compensation for grievous injuries as well. Including heatwaves could significantly burden state finances.
• Attribution of Deaths: It is difficult to attribute deaths directly to heatwaves, as heat often exacerbates pre-existing medical conditions, complicating the process of determining the true cause of death.

The debate on classifying heatwaves as a notified disaster continues, balancing practical challenges with the growing need for climate adaptation.