New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial meeting to assess the nation’s readiness for the impending heat wave season, with a particular focus on ensuring public health and safety amidst projections of above-normal temperatures across the country.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the temperature outlook for the period from April to June 2024, with forecasts indicating a likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures, especially in Central India and western peninsular India. In response, discussions centered on measures to mitigate the impact of the anticipated heat wave, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Preparedness in the health sector emerged as a key area of concern, with emphasis placed on ensuring adequate stocks of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and potable water. Timely dissemination of essential Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, especially in regional languages, through various platforms such as television, radio, and social media, was highlighted as a critical strategy to raise awareness and promote preventive measures.
Given the overlap of the hotter-than-normal summer season with the General Elections, participants stressed the importance of translating advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) into regional languages for wider dissemination.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the significance of a whole-of-government approach, urging coordination among Central, State, and District-level authorities, as well as various Ministries, to address the challenges posed by the heat wave effectively. He emphasized the need for proactive awareness campaigns and adequate preparation in hospitals to handle potential health emergencies.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of early detection and containment of forest fires, recognizing their potential to exacerbate the impact of heat waves and threaten biodiversity.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, and representatives from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.