PM Modi chairs meet to review preparedness for heat wave conditions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed India’s heat preparedness plans with senior officials on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department earlier this month had forecast summer temperatures in most parts of the country to be “above normal”, particularly in Central India and western peninsular India.

An official statement said Mr. Modi chaired a meeting where he was briefed about the likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country during April-June, with high probability of such condition in central western peninsular India.

Preparedness in the health sector was reviewed in terms of availability of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS and drinking water, the statement said.

The timely dissemination of essential information, education and communication (IEC) awareness material, especially in regional languages, through all platforms such as television, radio and social media was stressed upon at the meeting, it said.

“Since a hotter than normal summer is expected in 2024, which coincides with the General Elections, it was felt that the advisories issued by the Health ministry and NDMA be translated into regional languages and disseminated widely,” it said.

Mr. Modi stressed upon the whole of government approach, and said all arms of the government at central, state and district levels, besides various ministries, need to work on this in synergy.

He also stressed upon awareness creation along with adequate preparation in hospitals, highlighting the need for quick detection and putting out forest fires.

The principal secretary to the prime minister, home secretary, officials from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and the National Disaster Management Authority attended the meeting.

India is likely to experience extreme heat during the April to June period with central and western peninsular parts facing the worst impact, the India Meteorological Department had said recently as the country prepares for the mammoth seven-phase general elections starting April 19.

With polling set to begin later this month and millions expected to queue in mid-day temperatures outdoors, health advisories by the Health Ministry and National Disaster Management Agency were sought to be translated into regional languages and disseminated widely.

(With inputs from PTI)