In a decisive and forward-thinking move, the Telangana government has officially declared heatwaves and sunstroke as state-specific disasters. This unprecedented step is not just about semantics—it’s a powerful signal of accountability and preparedness in the face of an escalating climate crisis. As one of the first Indian states to independently classify heatwaves as a disaster, Telangana is blazing a trail that the rest of the nation may soon have to follow.
What Are Heatwaves and Why Do They Matter?
Defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heatwave occurs when temperatures soar to at least 40°C, or when they rise 5-6°C above normal. A severe heatwave takes that threshold even higher, with deviations of 7°C or more. Any region baking under 45°C or above is considered to be in heatwave territory. These are not just numbers on a thermometer; they spell danger, particularly for the elderly, outdoor laborers, children, and women.
In recent years, climate change has transformed heatwaves from rare phenomena into frequent, extended, and deadlier events. And while their physical presence might be less dramatic than floods or cyclones, their toll on human health and the economy is profound and underappreciated.
The Hidden Toll: Health and Human Impact
Unlike disasters that sweep away infrastructure in one swift blow, heatwaves work silently. They cause dehydration, heatstroke, and aggravate chronic illnesses, often without making headlines. In Telangana, the consequences have already been devastating: 98 deaths in 2020 and 62 in 2022. Yet, due to the lack of definitive medical criteria and often invisible symptoms, these figures likely underrepresent the true toll.
Government Response: Action at the Grassroots
In anticipation of intensifying heat events, the Telangana government has taken proactive measures:
- District-specific Heatwave Action Plans have been rolled out.
- ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) stations and drinking water kiosks are being established at vulnerable locations.
- Public advisories are being circulated widely, educating people on how to stay safe during extreme temperatures.
These efforts underscore the state’s commitment to saving lives and building public awareness. But until now, the absence of a formal disaster classification limited what support could legally and financially be offered.
Financial Relief: Raising the Bar
With heatwaves now recognized as a state-specific disaster, Telangana can legally disburse ₹4 lakh as ex-gratia to the families of victims. Compare this to the modest ₹50,000 previously offered under the Apadbandhu Scheme, and the shift becomes even more significant. The funding for this enhanced support will come from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), empowering local authorities to respond quickly and compassionately.
The National Picture: Still Lagging Behind
Despite the glaring statistics and scientific warnings, the Union government has yet to classify heatwaves as a disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This means states like Telangana cannot tap into the more substantial National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to support heatwave victims. What we’re seeing is a gaping policy disconnect at the national level.
The Finance Commission does allow some SDRF allocations for ‘local disasters’, but this is left to state discretion and lacks a uniform, robust framework.
The Road Ahead: A Call for National Recognition
With the IMD predicting more heatwave days across India in 2025, Telangana’s move serves as both a warning and a guide. If climate resilience is to become a national priority, heatwaves must be formally recognized as disasters. This would ensure uniformity in relief measures, unlock central funding, and promote collaborative heat adaptation strategies across states.
Telangana’s decision is not just a reaction to rising temperatures—it’s a declaration of intent. It’s a statement that the invisible should no longer go unnoticed, and that in a warming world, disaster preparedness must evolve beyond the storms we can see to include the ones we can only feel.