Telangana Classifies Heatwaves As State-Specific Disaster
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: Families of heatwave victims in Telangana relied on discretionary Chief Minister Relief Funds or ad-hoc health schemes. NOW: Families have a formalized right to claim standard ex-gratia compensation directly from the SDRF.
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BEFORE: Heatwaves were managed primarily as a seasonal public health advisory issue without formal disaster financing. NOW: District administrations can legally utilize emergency disaster funds for mitigation measures like cooling centers and oral rehydration stations.
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BEFORE: The state had limited financial flexibility for heatwave response as the central government's National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) does not cover extreme heat. NOW: Telangana exercises its delegated authority under Finance Commission guidelines to unlock a portion of its SDRF specifically for heat-related casualties.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the management of heatwaves and disaster funds in India? 1. Heatwaves are included in the centrally notified list of disasters eligible for assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). 2. Under current guidelines, a state government can use up to 10 percent of its State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for localized, state-specific disasters.