Mallika Dureja
Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting to review the government’s preparedness for summer heat.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi was briefed on the India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather forecast for the next few months, the likelihood of a monsoon, the impact of weather on Rabi crops, and the anticipated yield of major crops.
He also evaluated the government’s efforts to monitor irrigation water, livestock water, and drinking water. In addition, he was briefed on the emergency preparedness of states and hospital infrastructure in terms of the availability of necessary supplies. The Prime Minister was also briefed on the various efforts being made across the nation to prepare for heat-related disasters and the mitigation measures in place.
He also evaluated the government’s efforts to monitor irrigation water, livestock water, and drinking water. In addition, he was briefed on the emergency preparedness of states and hospital infrastructure in terms of the availability of necessary supplies. The Prime Minister was also briefed on the various efforts being made across the nation to prepare for heat-related disasters and the mitigation measures in place.
The prime minister called for the preparation of educational materials for stakeholders such as citizens, medical professionals, municipal authorities, and emergency response teams such as firefighters.
In addition, he instructed officials to implement multimedia lecture sessions in schools to educate children on how to handle extreme heat conditions.
The prime minister stated that protocols and dos and don’ts for hot weather should be prepared in accessible formats, along with other forms of publicity such as jingles, films, pamphlets, etc.
Also read: China plans to create new regulator for data governance: Report
Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need for thorough fire audits of all hospitals and for firefighters to conduct simulated fire drills in all hospitals. He directed that the availability of forage and water in reservoirs be monitored. Food Corporation of India was tasked with ensuring optimal grain storage under extreme weather conditions.
According to the report, wheat, chickpeas, and rapeseed production could be affected by a heatwave for the second consecutive year. During the summer, the higher temperatures could cause the electricity demand to exceed the available supply.
The average peak temperature in February was 29.54 degrees Celsius, the highest since 1901. India received 68% less precipitation than normal last month.
Reuters reported that the Centre had warned that India could experience more frequent heatwaves in the future and that average temperatures during monsoon have risen over the past two decades.
