Heatwaves and Their Potential Inclusion in Disaster Management Act
Summary:
The persistent extreme heat across many regions of the country has reignited debates about including heatwaves as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005. If heatwaves are included, states would be able to use disaster response funds to provide compensation, relief, and manage the impacts of heatwaves, which they currently fund from their own budgets.
Notified Disasters:
The DM Act allows states to access the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for managing disasters. The funds are used exclusively for disaster response and management. Currently, 12 disasters are notified, including cyclones, earthquakes, and floods.
Heatwaves Not Included:
Heatwaves were not initially considered a disaster under the DM Act since they were common during summer. However, the severity and frequency of heatwaves have increased in the last 15 years, affecting 23 states. These states have developed heat action plans (HAPs) to mitigate heatwave impacts, which require significant expenditure.
Challenges to Inclusion:
- Finance Commission Reluctance: Finance Commissions have resisted including heatwaves, suggesting current provisions suffice. An enabling provision allows states to use up to 10% of SDRF for local disasters like heatwaves.
- Practical Difficulties: Financial implications, including mandated compensation for heatwave-related deaths, and challenges in attributing deaths directly to heatwaves hinder inclusion.
Current Scenario:
The Centre has resisted adding heatwaves to the national disaster list, citing the Finance Commission’s stance and potential financial burdens. While some states have classified heatwaves as local disasters, broader inclusion could enhance heatwave management and reporting.