Now Reading: India declares heatwaves a natural calamity, unlocks disaster funds
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India declares heatwaves a natural calamity, unlocks disaster funds
On August 4, the Indian government notified heatwaves as a natural calamity, allowing states to access the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). Previously, states could tap…
The Story in Brief
On August 4, the Indian government notified heatwaves as a natural calamity, allowing states to access the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). Previously, states could tap only 10 per cent of SDRF and 20 per cent of SDMF for heatwaves. The National Disaster Management Authority's Krishna S. Vatsa said the decision provides long-term resource support for heat action plans, cooling shelters, and water points. Experts quoted by PTI highlighted that heat stress threatens workforce productivity and the informal labour force, and emphasised implementation by district administrations and municipal corporations.
The Indian Opinion
The logic is sound on paper: formal recognition triggers funding. But the test is in execution, will state governments prioritise cooling shelters over political rallies? Will municipal corporations spend on water points or on ribbon-cutting? The numbers to watch are SDRF disbursals to heat action plans over the next two years. If funds sit idle, this notification is just a press release.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
