Centre Formally Includes Heatwaves and Lightning in Notified Natural Calamities List
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The Union Government has officially notified heatwaves and lightning as natural calamities, enabling states to utilize the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for relief and mitigation.
In a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening India’s disaster resilience, the Union Government has formally included heatwaves and lightning in the list of notified natural calamities under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This decision follows the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which recognized the increasing frequency and intensity of these climate-induced events in the Indian subcontinent.
Previously, while states could provide ex-gratia assistance for these events, the formal notification under the Disaster Management Act provides a robust legal and financial framework. By categorizing these as 'notified natural calamities,' the government now allows states to utilize the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for relief, rescue, and mitigation efforts. This is a crucial development, as it empowers local administrations to allocate resources more effectively for early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructure improvements designed to withstand extreme weather.
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