The 15th Finance Commission of India has recently opted not to classify extreme heat as a natural disaster. Despite the significant toll of heatwaves on health and mortality, the Commission believes that existing disaster relief frameworks adequately address these challenges. This decision was elaborated upon in a recent Lok Sabha session by the Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh.
The following disasters are currently acknowledged for assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF):
Historically, heatwaves have been viewed as a normal aspect of summer weather and seen as predictable. This perception has contributed to their exclusion from the list of recognized disasters.
As per the Disaster Management Act (DM Act) of 2005, disasters are defined as occurrences that lead to significant loss of life, property, or environmental harm beyond the affected community's capacity to cope. Heatwaves, although severe, have traditionally been manageable within local contexts and do not fit this definition.
The Finance Commission noted that the current list of natural disasters eligible for assistance is extensive and effectively supports states in managing these calamities.
The decline in heatwave-related fatalities is attributed to advancements in weather forecasting and early warning systems. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has notably improved its monitoring and forecasting accuracy, which has helped mitigate the impact of extreme heat.
States can utilize up to 10% of their annual SDRF allocation for relief related to natural events not listed as central disasters, including heatwaves. This provision allows for effective local responses to immediate needs.
The rise in heatwaves is associated with global climate change, as annual temperatures increase, resulting in more frequent and severe heat events across various regions in India.
Historical data reveals considerable heatwave-related fatalities in India, peaking at 1,908 deaths in 2015. However, recent years have seen improvements due to enhanced prediction and response strategies, with 730 reported deaths in 2022, a significant reduction from earlier years.
The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) heat action plan has been crucial. This plan includes public awareness campaigns, capacity building, and improvements in infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to heatwaves.
As of June 2024, 23 states and vulnerable cities have formulated Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to manage the effects of extreme heat. These plans encompass measures such as early warning systems, public awareness initiatives, and guidelines to minimize exposure during peak heat periods.
The decision not to classify extreme heat as a natural disaster underscores the government's confidence in existing disaster management frameworks and the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies. Enhanced weather prediction, early warning systems, and adaptable state-level response mechanisms have proven successful in reducing heatwave-related mortality. Continued investment in these areas, along with strong climate change mitigation efforts, will be essential for managing the impacts of extreme heat moving forward.
Q1. Why did the 15th Finance Commission not classify heatwaves as disasters?
Answer: The Commission determined that existing disaster management frameworks adequately address heatwaves and classified them as predictable summer weather patterns, thus excluding them from the disaster list.
Q2. What assistance is available for natural disasters in India?
Answer: Assistance for disasters such as cyclones, droughts, and floods is available under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Q3. How does climate change affect heatwaves in India?
Answer: Climate change is linked to rising temperatures, resulting in more frequent and intense heat events across various regions in India, increasing the risk of heatwaves.
Q4. What measures are taken to mitigate heatwave impacts?
Answer: The National Disaster Management Authority's heat action plans include public awareness campaigns, capacity building, and infrastructure improvements to reduce vulnerability to heatwaves.
Q5. How have heatwave-related deaths changed over the years?
Answer: There has been a significant decline in heatwave-related deaths due to improved weather forecasting and response strategies, with notable reductions observed in recent years.
Question 1: What is the primary reason the 15th Finance Commission excluded heatwaves from the disaster list?
A) They are unpredictable
B) They are manageable locally
C) They cause minimal impact
D) They are not considered disasters
Correct Answer: B
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