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Introduction:

In 2024, India is experiencing one of the longest and most severe summers wherein 14 of 36 subdivisions in the country have recorded over 15 heat wave days between March to June , according to India Meteorological Department (IMD), causing a substantial increase in heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Despite the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, they are not included as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

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Reasons for Reluctance to Include Heatwaves as a Notified Disaster:

• Perceived Manageability at the State Level: Heatwaves are managed at the state level using State Disaster Response Funds, with the central government providing support only upon special request from the states.
  For example: States like Gujarat have successfully implemented state-specific heat action plans, reducing the immediate perceived need for national intervention.
• Financial Implications: Notifying heatwaves as a national disaster would necessitate significant financial allocation from the National Disaster Response Fund, potentially straining the central budget.
  For example: Allocating additional funds for heatwave management could divert resources from other critical disaster management areas like floods and cyclones.
• Bureaucratic Challenges: Including heatwaves as a notified disaster involves extensive bureaucratic procedures to develop and implement national-level policies and guidelines.
  For example: Establishing new frameworks and coordination mechanisms across multiple states would be administratively complex and time-consuming.
• Variability and Predictability of Heatwaves: Heatwaves are highly variable and region-specific, making it challenging to establish a uniform national policy.
  For example: Different regions experience heatwaves with varying intensity and frequency, necessitating tailored approaches that are better managed locally.
• Political and Policy Priorities: Other pressing policy priorities and political considerations may lead to heatwaves being deprioritized compared to more immediate and visually impactful disasters.
  For example: Political focus often shifts towards disasters like floods and cyclones, which have more immediate and visible impacts, leading to heatwaves receiving less attention.

Measures to Improve Detection and Prevention of Heatwaves:

• Strengthening State-Level Heat Action Plans: Enhance state-specific heat action plans with better funding and resources to ensure comprehensive preparedness and response.
  For example: Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan includes public awareness campaigns, early warning systems, and emergency medical services, which have significantly reduced heat-related mortality.
• Improving Early Warning Systems: Develop and deploy advanced meteorological tools and technologies for accurate and timely heatwave forecasts.
  For example: The Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) heatwave alerts and advisories can be integrated with local governance for better community preparedness.
• Public Awareness and Education: Implement widespread public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of heatwaves and necessary precautions.
  For example: Community outreach programs in Andhra Pradesh have improved public understanding and response to heatwaves, reducing health impacts.
• Urban Planning and Green Infrastructure: Promote urban planning initiatives incorporating green infrastructure to mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce temperatures.
  For example: Initiatives like increasing green cover and constructing green roofs in cities like Delhi can help lower ambient temperatures and mitigate heatwave effects.
• Healthcare System Preparedness: Ensure healthcare systems are equipped to handle heat-related illnesses with adequate training for medical personnel and availability of cooling facilities.
  For example: Training programs for healthcare workers on managing heatstroke and heat exhaustion have improved emergency response capabilities in Maharashtra.

Conclusion:

The reluctance to include heatwaves as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, stems from financial, bureaucratic, and policy challenges. However, enhancing state-level actions, early warning systems, public awareness, and integrating heat mitigation into urban planning and healthcare can significantly improve management and prevention. These measures can mitigate the severe impacts of heatwaves on life and the economy, ensuring better preparedness and resilience against this growing threat.

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