Ajit Karn
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) told a high level meeting on Tuesday that a hotter-than-normal summer is forecast in 2023, with temperatures likely to reach 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal in some parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains and eastern India during the last week of March.
During the review meeting, which was presided over by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, the IMD stated that it is probable that maximum temperatures will be above normal over the majority of northeast, east, and central India, as well as portions of northwest India.
In some parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains and eastern India, temperatures could be 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal during the last week of March, the India Meteorological Department informed a meeting convened to review summer preparations and mitigation measures.
According to an official release, the cabinet secretary stated that since a hotter-than-average summer is anticipated, states and union territories must be adequately prepared to face the associated challenges.
The IMD gave a presentation on global weather phenomena and the temperature forecast for March through May. In addition, a forecast for the second half of March was provided.
In the majority of the country, minimum temperatures are likely to be above normal, with the exception of the southern peninsula of India, where normal to below normal temperatures are likely.
In addition, the IMD reported that no significant heat surges are anticipated for the remainder of March.
The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare reported that the Rabi crop condition is normal and that wheat production is expected to reach a record-breaking 112,18 metric tonnes.
The National Action Plan on Heat Related Illness (NAP-HRI) published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in July 2021 outlines the challenges posed by heat wave, heat-related illnesses, and their management from the primary to tertiary level.
He advised the states to assess the preparedness of healthcare facilities with regard to essential medications, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS, and potable water.
Director General (Forests) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change outlined the forest fire management action plan and preparedness.
The Union home secretary described the efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Management Authority and reported that the National Guidelines for the Preparation of an Action Plan for the Prevention and Management of Heat Waves were issued in 2016 and revised in 2017 and 2019.
Power Secretary emphasised the need to complete all maintenance activities in power facilities by March, 2023.
In addition, he asked Punjab and Rajasthan to increase coal production by captive power facilities.
Secretaries from the departments of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, and Animal Husbandry and Dairying outlined the proposed measures for drinking water, irrigation, and forage.
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Mr. Gauba remarked that the central ministries and departments have been collaborating closely with the states and Union territories to guarantee optimal levels of preparedness and timely implementation of mitigation measures.
He requested that the chief secretaries assess the preparedness for a possible heat wave with the secretaries of the relevant departments and district collectors.
