NEW DELHI, August 7 — The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officially included heatwaves and lightning in the list of notified natural disasters under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines.
The decision allows state governments to utilize funds from the disaster response reserves to provide immediate financial relief, medical aid, and compensation to families affected by extreme heatwaves and lightning strikes. Previously, states had to request special packages or use local budgets, as these weather hazards were not classified as national calamities.
The ministry stated that the change was made following recommendations from environmental panels and rising casualty trends during summer monsoons.
Disaster management regulations and government funds are core general studies topics. Candidates should note that the SDRF is constituted under Section 48(1)(a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and is funded primarily by the Central Government.