Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently presided over a meeting to evaluate the nation’s preparedness for the impending heat wave season. The discussion covered a range of critical aspects, including temperature projections, health sector readiness, and the dissemination of essential information to the public.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi was briefed on the temperature outlook for April to June 2024, indicating the likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures across most regions, particularly Central India and the western peninsular. The need for essential medical supplies such as medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS, and drinking water was underscored as part of health sector preparedness.
Timely dissemination of information and awareness materials, especially in regional languages, through various platforms such as television, radio, and social media, was emphasized to ensure effective communication with the public. Considering the expected hotter-than-normal summer coinciding with the General Elections, it was suggested to translate and widely disseminate advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in regional languages.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized a whole-of-government approach, stressing the importance of synergy among central, state, and district-level authorities, as well as various ministries. He highlighted the significance of raising awareness and ensuring adequate preparation in hospitals, along with the prompt detection and management of forest fires.
Key participants in the meeting included the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, officials from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The collaborative effort and proactive measures discussed in the meeting aim to mitigate the impact of the anticipated heat wave season and safeguard public health and safety across the nation.
