What made Tamil Nadu declare heatwaves a state-specific disaster: Revealed

The Tamil Nadu government declared heatwaves as a state-specific disaster on October 24. The notification stated that the heat wave has emerged as a significant threat and temperatures have been consistently recorded above 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state this year. This affects the daily lives of the elderly, children, those diagnosed with medical conditions, and blue-collar workers.

“The risk of heat waves is also high in urban areas. For example, population density is higher in urban areas; The urban heat effect (due to emissions from cement/concrete, vehicles and air conditioners, and others) can worsen heat wave conditions caused by atmospheric phenomena. “Structures such as buildings, roads and other infrastructure in urban areas absorb and re-radiate solar heat, leading to urban heat island formation due to intense heat wave conditions.”

In the statement, it was stated that the necessary assistance could not be provided to the people affected by the heat wave, and it was emphasized that this event should be declared as a special disaster for the state in order to provide funds and to ensure that the state is better prepared to combat the crisis.

Classifying heatwaves as a state-specific disaster will help the government get financial assistance from the State Disaster Response Fund (75% of the money is given by the Union government). According to the 15th Finance Commission, 10% of the SDRF is available to states for state-specific disasters. Tamil Nadu has already notified sea erosion, lightning, thunder, cyclone and storm as endemic disasters to provide relief to victims of such disasters. For heatwaves, the state has decided that the government will release Rs 4 lakh for each person who dies due to heatwave, provided the cause of death is certified from the appropriate authority. This amount can be used as compensation to the family of the deceased and/or given to individuals involved in relief operations or preparation activities.

Funds may also be allocated for medical care and drinking water kiosks, such as the supply of ORS packs. This will be considered by the State Executive Committee.

Another benefit of listing the heat wave as a state-specific disaster is that it empowers rapid action. The district collector may intervene in his capacity as head of the district disaster unit. This is expected to help the state government take preventive steps without delay.

But even though Tamil Nadu classifies heatwaves as a state-specific disaster, that doesn’t mean it’s a local problem. States including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka have already declared heatwaves as a state-specific disaster. In 2023, maximum temperature was recorded above normal range in 60% of India and 22 states/Union Territories. A 2019 report from the International Labor Organization estimates that India will lose 5.8% of working hours by 2030 due to heat waves.

Since heatwaves are not currently classified as a national disaster in India, states are not eligible to receive financial assistance from the Union government under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. In May, the Rajasthan High Court had urged the Union government to declare extreme weather events such as heat waves as national disasters. This will enable states to receive additional funding to support the SDRF.