Tamil Nadu Declares Heatwave a State-Specific Disaster; Announces ₹4 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Heat-Related Fatalities
- October 29, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Tamil Nadu Declares Heatwave a State-Specific Disaster; Announces ₹4 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Heat-Related Fatalities
Sub :Geo
Sec: Indian Physical
Why in News
In a landmark decision, the Tamil Nadu government has declared heatwaves as a State-specific disaster. This announcement includes a compensation policy providing an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to families of those who succumb to heat-related causes.
Tamil Nadu’s Heatwave Declaration:
Tamil Nadu is one of the first states in India to officially recognize heatwaves as a disaster, enabling state authorities to rapidly deploy relief measures.
Use of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): The SDRF will be utilized to support relief measures aimed at reducing the impact of extreme heat on affected populations.
Compensation Amount: The Tamil Nadu government has pledged ₹4 lakh in ex-gratia compensation for families of individuals who die due to heat-related causes. This includes fatalities among those actively involved in heatwave relief operations.
Families of heatwave victims, particularly from vulnerable groups, are eligible to receive compensation to ease the financial burden due to such unforeseen losses.
What Are Heat Waves?
A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively high temperatures, significantly above the average maximum temperature of a region, and is often associated with dry, stagnant atmospheric conditions.
This phenomenon typically affects North-Western parts of India during the summer season, especially from March to June, though heat waves can occasionally extend into July.
The extreme temperatures can lead to physiological stress in humans, posing serious health risks and potentially leading to fatalities.
Criteria for Heat Waves by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD):
Temperature Thresholds for Heat Wave Declaration:
- Plains: A heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C.
- Hilly Regions: In hilly regions, the threshold is lower, at 30°C.
Departure from Normal Temperature:
- Normal Maximum Temperature ≤ 40°C:
- Heat Wave: Departure from normal temperature by 5°C to 6°C.
- Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal temperature by 7°C or more.
- Normal Maximum Temperature > 40°C:
- Heat Wave: Departure from normal temperature by 4°C to 5°C.
- Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal temperature by 6°C or more.
Extreme Heat Condition: Regardless of the normal maximum temperature, when the actual maximum temperature reaches 45°C or more, a heat wave is declared.
Increased Intensity and Frequency: With the influence of climate change, peak daily temperatures are rising, resulting in longer, more intense heat waves globally. These elevated temperatures contribute to harsher atmospheric conditions that can exacerbate heat waves, particularly in tropical regions like India.
Heat waves in India are increasing not only in frequency but also in intensity with each passing year. This trend poses heightened risks for human health, often leading to more casualties and a greater strain on healthcare systems.
Causes and Contributing Factors of Heat Waves:
Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities often have higher temperatures due to human activities, concrete structures, and limited vegetation, creating ‘urban heat islands’ that absorb and retain heat.
Climate Change: Rising global temperatures have intensified heat waves, making them more frequent and severe, with longer durations.
Atmospheric Circulation Patterns: Stagnant high-pressure systems can trap warm air over regions, leading to sustained high temperatures.
Measures for Coping with Heat Waves
Public Awareness and Alerts: The IMD issues heat wave warnings to inform the public, enabling timely precautions.
Cooling Centers and Shelters: Designated areas provide air-conditioned spaces, drinking water, and medical aid.
Hydration and Protective Measures: Individuals are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and seek shade or cool areas to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.
Government Initiatives: Authorities implement heat action plans in affected regions, providing resources and medical assistance to prevent heatwave casualties.