Madhya Pradesh

• 03 Oct 2024

Madhya Pradesh Classifies Heatwaves as Disasters

Why in News?

The Madhya Pradesh government has classified heatwaves as natural disasters, enabling compensation for victims.

Key Points

• Financial Assistance:
  • Individuals who suffer fatalities due to heatwaves will receive compensation similar to that provided for other natural calamities like floods and earthquakes.
• Legal Framework:
  • Heatwaves have been officially notified as a local disaster under the Madhya Pradesh Disaster Management Act of 2005, following directives from the central Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • This regulation will take effect in summer 2025.
• Casualties and Health Impact:
  • Recent heatwaves in northern India resulted in 114 fatalities and over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases reported from March 1 to June 19, 2024.
  • The highest number of heatstroke deaths were recorded in Uttar Pradesh (37), Bihar (17), Rajasthan (16), and Odisha (13).
• Nature of Heatwaves:
  • Heatwaves are characterized by excessively high temperatures and high humidity, typically occurring from April to June.
  • They pose serious health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration, and can severely impact agriculture, water supply, and public health.

Heat Waves

• About:
  • Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that can cause adverse impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.
    • India, being a tropical country, is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves, which have become more frequent and intense in recent years.
• Criteria for Declaring Heat Wave in India:
  • Plains and Hilly Regions:
    • Heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
    • Based on Departure from Normal Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.50°C to 6.40°C.
      • Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.40°C.
    • Based on Actual Maximum Temperature Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥45°C.
      • Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47°C.
    • If the above criteria are met in at least 2 stations in a Meteorological subdivision for at least two consecutive days, it is declared so on the second day.
  • Coastal Areas:
    • When maximum temperature departure is 4.50°C or more from normal, a heat wave may be described provided the actual maximum temperature is 37°C or more.

New Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh

Why in News?

Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• Appointment:
  • Anurag Jain has been appointed as the 35^th Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh.
  • He is a senior IAS officer from the 1989 batch.
  • He held the position of Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
  • Before this appointment, Jain was serving as the Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on central deputation.
  • He was awarded the Prime Minister's award in 2023 for his outstanding work.

Chief Secretary

• The Chief Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in a state government, responsible for the overall administration and coordination of government functions.
• Appointment: The Chief Minister selects the Chief Secretary, who is usually an IAS officer. The Chief Minister may consult with the Union government, ministerial colleagues, or the cabinet, but this is not mandatory.
• Role and Responsibilities:
  • Administrative Head: Acts as the principal advisor to the Chief Minister and oversees the administration of the state government.
  • Coordination: Ensures coordination among different departments and agencies within the state government.
  • Policy Implementation: Responsible for the implementation of government policies and programs at the state level.
  • Liaison: Acts as a liaison between the state government and the central government.