Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a high-level meeting to strategize India’s readiness for the impending heatwave season, amid forecasts predicting above-normal temperatures across vast swathes of the country, particularly in Central and western peninsular India. The meeting, held on Thursday, encompassed a comprehensive review of preparedness measures, focusing on various sectors including healthcare, communication, and disaster management.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the temperature outlook for the period spanning from April to June 2024, highlighting the likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures over most regions. Emphasis was placed on central and western peninsular India, where the impact of the heatwave is expected to be most severe.
Examining health facility preparedness to meet challenges posed by extreme heat is a major agenda of the conference Discussions are on how to ensure access to essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs packaging, oral rehydration solution (ORS), and drinking water
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, PM Modi also stressed the importance of cooperation at all levels of government – central, state and district – as well as across ministries. He emphasized the importance of coordination among the armed forces of the government to effectively deal with the heat wave, recommending proactive measures, increased hospital preparedness and quick response in the bush in the fire.
In light of the forthcoming General Elections coinciding with the anticipated hotter-than-normal summer, PM Modi emphasized the need for widespread dissemination of advisories issued by the Health Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It was proposed that these advisories be translated into regional languages and distributed through diverse platforms including television, radio, and social media, ensuring accessibility to all segments of society.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including the principal secretary to the prime minister, the home secretary, officials from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and the National Disaster Management Authority, signifying a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by the impending heatwave season.
As India braces for extreme heat conditions during the April to June period, particularly in regions prone to heatwaves, concerted efforts are underway to safeguard public health and ensure preparedness at all levels. With the mammoth seven-phase general elections set to commence on April 19, the focus on heatwave preparedness underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the well-being of its citizens amidst challenging climatic conditions.
