Madhya Pradesh Government Recognizes Heatwaves as Natural Disasters

In a significant move, Madhya Pradesh has classified heatwaves as natural disasters, enabling victims to receive compensation similar to other calamities. The regulation, effective from summer 2025, follows directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and aims to provide financial aid to those affected by extreme heat conditions.

In a landmark decision, the government of Madhya Pradesh has officially classified heatwaves as natural disasters. This classification means that victims of heatwaves will now be eligible for compensation similar to what is provided for other natural calamities.

Acting on directives from the central Ministry of Home Affairs, the state government has notified heatwaves as a local disaster under the Madhya Pradesh Disaster Management Act of 2005. The new regulation is scheduled to come into effect in the summer of 2025, allowing affected individuals the same financial aid currently available for those impacted by floods, earthquakes, and lightning strikes.

In an official statement, the Madhya Pradesh government announced, "The State Government hereby notifies heatwave (hyperthermia) as a local disaster as per clause 3.2 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Guidelines on the constitution and administration of the State Disaster Response Fund." Notably, northern India recently reported numerous fatalities due to heatwaves, with 114 lives claimed and over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases recorded between March and June this year. The adverse impacts of heatwaves are particularly severe in northern and central regions, affecting agriculture, water supplies, and public health. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)