GS3 · 10 marks · 150 words

In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include "heat waves" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005?

Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Disaster ManagementClimate ChangeDisaster Risk Reduction

Syllabus: Disaster and disaster management.

How toppers approached it

From all 9 answers · about 150 words · 56% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition56%
  • A figure33%
  • No separate opening11%

Body

  • Points67%
  • Points and prose33%

Close

  • A way forward89%
  • A summary11%

The toppers’ answers

Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 164 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

2024 marked the 3rd continuous year in which India faced severe heatwaves; sparking the controversy to notify it under DM Act, 2005.

Body · points

Benefits of notifying it

  1. ₹4 lakh ex-gratia to be provided to kin of deceased.

  2. States & agencies would prepare a specific & distinct action plan (Added impetus to Planning).

  3. NDMA guidelines will get more comprehensive post notification. → more clarity to agencies.

  4. Enhance inter-agency and inter-govt deliberation & cooperation.

  5. Intensity, frequency & duration of Heatwaves deteriorating every year, thus, call of time.

Challenges of notifying it

  1. 15th F.C. had recommended against it. Rather it proposed
  2. that States delineate a separate 10% fund towards Heat wave Relief.
  3. As casualties ↑se gradually, Ex-Gratia amount would severely eat up DM funds, if notified.
  4. Loss of flexibility to state govt.

Close · a way forward

Heat waves should get notified in DM Act 2005 earliest. Until that happens, States should release comprehensive SOPs like UP govt: District wise plans (1st in country).

More on Disaster Management

Response to a specific hazard: flood, cyclone, earthquake, landslide, heatwave, drought, industrial and urban disaster.

All GS3 questions on Disaster Management