Heatwaves and lightning should be added to national disaster list

Source: The post “Heatwaves and lightning should be added to national disaster list” has been created, based on “Heatwaves and lightning should be added to national disaster list” published in “Down to Earth” on 03rd February 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3-Disaster Management

Context: The 16th Finance Commission has recommended the inclusion of heatwaves and lightning as nationally notified disasters in view of their increasing frequency, intensity, and mortality. This step aims to strengthen India’s disaster management framework by ensuring predictable funding and institutional support for climate-induced disasters.

Key Recommendations and Provisions

1. Inclusion in National Disaster List: Heatwaves and lightning are proposed to be added to the notified disasters, enabling states to access SDRF and NDRF funds without procedural delays and improving response efficiency.
2. Financial Allocations (2026–27): ₹1.4 lakh crore has been allocated as Finance Commission grants, including disaster management funds. ₹14,370 crore is earmarked for disaster-related expenditure for 2026–27.
3. Five-Year Disaster Funding (2026–31): A total of ₹2,04,401 crore is recommended for SDRF and SDMF, ensuring long-term financial stability for disaster response and mitigation.
4. Fund Distribution: 80% of funds are allocated to SDRF for immediate relief, while 20% to SDMF for preventive and mitigation measures, promoting a balanced approach.
5. State-Level Flexibility: States may continue using up to 10% of SDRF funds for locally severe disasters, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to regional needs.

Rationale for Inclusion

1. Heatwaves: Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Rising daytime and nighttime temperatures reduce human adaptability, increasing heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable populations such as elderly people, outdoor workers, and urban poor are most affected, making institutional support essential.
2. Lightning: Lightning incidents have increased sharply, especially in rural and agricultural areas. Lack of awareness, inadequate shelters, and dependence on outdoor work expose people to high risk, making lightning a major cause of disaster mortality.

Significance of the Recommendation

1. Improved Access to Funds: States will receive assured and timely financial support, enabling faster relief and rehabilitation.
2. Strengthened Disaster Preparedness: Recognition will promote systematic planning, training, and infrastructure development.
3. Climate Change Adaptation: It aligns disaster management with India’s climate adaptation goals.
4. Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Focused interventions can be designed for farmers, labourers, slum dwellers, and elderly populations.
5. Institutional Recognition: Formal inclusion reduces dependence on ad-hoc measures and improves accountability.

Challenges

1. Financial Stress: Increased claims on disaster funds may reduce resources available for other calamities.
2. Identification and Assessment: Measuring heatwave-related losses and attributing deaths remains technically difficult.
3. Implementation Capacity: Many states and districts lack trained personnel and modern equipment.
4. Data and Reporting Gaps: Under-reporting and absence of real-time databases weaken planning and compensation.
5. Urban and Rural Vulnerability: Poor housing, lack of cooling facilities, and weak healthcare infrastructure increase risks.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Improve IMD forecasts and ensure last-mile dissemination through mobile and community networks.
2. Heat Action Plans (HAPs): All states and cities should prepare and implement integrated Heat Action Plans linked with health services.
3. Infrastructure Resilience: Promote cool roofs, green cover, shaded public spaces, and lightning protection systems.
4. Capacity Building: Regular training of officials, healthcare workers, and disaster volunteers is essential.
5. Data and Technology Use: Use satellite data, GIS mapping, and digital platforms for monitoring and evaluation.
6. Community Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns on preventive measures, first aid, and emergency response.
7. Climate-Resilient Policies: Integrate disaster risk reduction into urban planning, agriculture, and social welfare schemes.

Conclusion: The inclusion of heatwaves and lightning as national disasters reflects India’s evolving climate risks. While it will strengthen financial and institutional support, success depends on effective implementation, technological integration, and community participation. A preventive and resilience-based approach is crucial for sustainable disaster management.

Question: Discuss the recommendation of the 16th Finance Commission to include heatwaves and lightning in India’s national disaster list. Examine its significance, challenges, and suggest a way forward.

Source: Down To Earth