Telangana declares heatwaves as state-specific disaster; Ex-gratia increased to Rs. 4 lakhs
Hyderabad: The Government of Telangana has officially declared heatwaves, sunstroke, and sunburn as “State Specific Disasters,” enabling financial relief under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). In a major policy shift, the ex-gratia amount to families of those who die due to heatwave-related causes has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹4 lakh.
The decision comes in the wake of growing concerns over the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, especially during the summer months of April to June. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), 2024 was the hottest year on record, with 28 out of 33 districts in Telangana witnessing at least 15 heatwave days. Nalgonda, Mancherial, Peddapalli, and Jagtial districts recorded over 30 such days.
The government order (GO) noted that heatwaves are a “hidden hazard” with significant but under-recognized health impacts, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, women, farmers, and outdoor workers, especially in the construction sector. Urban areas, including Hyderabad and Warangal, face additional risks due to the Urban Heat Island effect and high humidity levels.
Until now, the state provided ₹50,000 in compensation under the Apadbandhu scheme to families of sunstroke victims. However, this was considered insufficient given the severity of the impact. The new policy aligns with guidelines in Para 3.2 of the SDRF norms and the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which allows states to allocate up to 10% of the annual SDRF budget to address locally notified disasters.
To qualify for ex-gratia, deaths must meet the IMD’s criteria for heatwaves: a maximum temperature of at least 40°C with a 5–6°C departure from normal, or temperatures reaching 45°C or higher, regardless of the normal. The cause of death must be certified as heat-related by a designated medical officer, with corroboration from the Mandal Revenue Officer and a police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector. The district administration must also maintain detailed records, including weather data and official documentation of the deceased.
In cases where the deceased was a farmer enrolled in the Rythu Bima scheme, the family may claim either the Rythu Bima benefit or the new heatwave ex-gratia, whichever is higher. This order was issued on April 15, 2025, by Arvind Kumar, the Special Chief Secretary to Government, Revenue (Disaster Management) Department.
The Telangana Government has officially declared heatwaves, sunstroke, and sunburn as State Specific Disasters. This allows ex-gratia relief of ₹4 lakh to families of deceased victims, a significant increase from the previous ₹50,000 under the Apadbandhu scheme. The relief will… pic.twitter.com/JcabACRV4A
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) April 15, 2025
