Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has officially classified heatwaves as natural disasters. This designation allows individuals who lose their lives due to heatwaves to receive compensation akin to that provided for other natural disasters.
Following directives from the central Ministry of Home Affairs, the state government has issued a notification recognizing heatwaves as local disasters under the Madhya Pradesh Disaster Management Act of 2005. The new regulation is scheduled to take effect in the summer of 2025.
As a result of this decision, those affected by heatwaves will be eligible for financial assistance similar to what is currently available for victims of floods, earthquakes, and lightning strikes.
In an official statement, the Madhya Pradesh government said, “The State Government hereby notifies heatwave (hyperthermia) as a local disaster as per clause 3.2 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Guidelines on the constitution and administration of the State Disaster Response Fund issued by letter No. 33-03-2021-NDM-I, dated 12th January 2022, from the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs (Disaster Management).”
The recognition of heatwaves comes in response to alarming statistics from this year, which saw severe heat conditions in northern India leading to numerous fatalities. Reports indicate that 114 lives were lost, with over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases recorded between March 1 and June 19. The highest number of heatstroke-related deaths was reported in Uttar Pradesh (37), followed by Bihar (17), Rajasthan (16), and Odisha (13).
Heatwaves are characterized by prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures, often coupled with high humidity. They typically occur from April to June and pose serious health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration. The impact of heatwaves can be particularly severe in northern and central regions of India, where temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F). The consequences extend beyond individual health, affecting agriculture, water supply, and overall public health.
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