Centre Recognises Heatwaves, Lightning as Natural Calamities

Context

Union Ministry of Home Affairs officially included heatwaves and lightning in the list of notified natural calamities under the operational guidelines of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The step is a major change in policy, as India now recognizes 14 disasters, up from 12. It directly addresses a long sought after need of Indian states with climbing mortality due to climate change.

Legal and Institutional Framework

In India, disaster finance governance relies on organized legal structures:

• Statutory Body: These are governed by legislation in the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• The 14 Notified Calamities: Cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, frost/cold wave, heatwave and lightning.
• Funding Architecture: SDRF has a tiered funding approach. For the general category states, the Centre contributes 75% and 90% for the northeastern and Himalayan states.

Key Scientific Thresholds

These disasters are determined based on particular scientific parameters:

• Heatwave Thresholds: Heatwave is defined by the India Meteorological Department when maximum temperature recorded equals or exceeds 40°C in plains and 30°C in hilly regions and is 4.5°C or more above the normal. Severe heatwave is when it is 6.4°C or more above normal.
• Lightning Hazard: A sudden, intense, high voltage atmospheric electrical discharge. In fact, this is the most lethal localized natural hazard in India resulting in more than 2,500 deaths each year, mostly among agricultural workers.

Administrative and Financial Importance

This policy change will enhance India’s climate resilience and fiscal capacity:

• Unrestricted Fund Access: States have the option to spend SDRF’s primary 80% response allocation to provide ex-gratia compensation to the families of victims.
• Opening of Mitigation Funds: The change allows for the 20% State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). This enables states to invest in structural interventions instead of a wholly post hoc approach.
• Institutionalised Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Provides powers to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and states for inter-departmental early warning network, public cooling shelters and lightning arresters.

Challenges in Implementation

• Micro-Climate Tracking: Tracking localized urban heat islands requires high-resolution meteorological data.
• Aggravated Vulnerability: Informal sector workers face economic pressure to work outside despite weather warnings.
• Urban Infrastructure Strain: Cities have asphalt and concrete surfaces which heat up, demanding long-term solutions such as cool roofing and urban forestry.

Way Forward

• Structural cooling: Combining green architecture, reflective cool roofs and urban canopies to reduce urban temperatures.
• Extending Warning Systems: Leveraging technology such as SACHET portal, and localized SMS warnings to alert rural workers in advance to avoid extreme lightning strikes.
• Integrated District Financing: Implementing localized, district-led funding models tailored to specific demographic vulnerabilities. 

Source: HT

UPSC Practice Question 

Q. Heatwaves and lightning are emerging as major disaster risks in India. Discuss the challenges they pose to disaster management and suggest measures to strengthen India’s preparedness.

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