Telangana declares heatwaves as ‘State-Specific Disasters’

Telangana state government has declared heat waves, sunstrokes, and sunburns as “State-Specific Disasters.” This classification will allow victims’ families to receive an ex-gratia compensation of 4 lakh per rupees under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Special Chief Secretary in the Revenue Department Aravind Kumar has issued a Government Order (G.O.) to this effect to tackle the rising toll in such extreme events. 

The government noted that heat waves are a ‘hidden hazard’ with a devastating yet under-recognised impact, especially on vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those in the



construction sector. Citing recent studies and forecasts by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the government said the state experienced unusually high temperatures last year, with 28 out of 33 districts recording over 15 days of heatwave conditions. It also noted that lack of disaster classification had limited relief measures. 

Until now, families of heatwave victims have received only 50 thousand rupees. With the new order in place, the State can now use up to 10 per cent of the annual SDRF allocation to provide relief to victims of such state-specific disasters.