PM chairs high-level meeting to review preparedness for hot weather in the upcoming summer
PM briefed about the forecast of the monsoon, its impact on Rabi crops, the preparedness of medical infrastructure, and preparation for disaster-related heat and mitigation measures
PM asks for the preparation of separate awareness material for different stakeholders
PM instructs IMD to prepare daily weather forecasts in a manner that is easy to interpret and disseminate
PM stresses the need for detailed fire audits of all hospitals
FCI asked to prepare to ensure optimal storage of grains in extreme weather conditions
By PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting today to review the preparedness for hot weather in the upcoming summer at his residence, 7 LKM, earlier today.
Prime Minister was briefed about the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) weather forecast for the next few months and on the likelihood of a normal monsoon. He was also briefed about the impact of weather on Rabi crops and the expected yield of major crops. The efforts underway to monitor irrigation water supply, fodder, and drinking water were also reviewed. Further, the Prime Minister was briefed about the preparedness of states and hospital infrastructure in terms of the availability of required supplies and preparedness for emergencies. He was also updated on various efforts underway across the country to prepare for disasters related to heat and mitigation measures in place.
Prime Minister said that separate awareness material should be prepared for different stakeholders, including citizens; medical professionals; municipal & panchayat authorities; disaster response teams like firefighters, etc. It was also instructed to incorporate some multimedia lecture sessions in schools to sensitize children in dealing with extreme heat conditions. Prime Minister said that protocols and dos and don’ts for hot weather should be prepared in accessible formats, and various other modes of publicity like jingles, films, pamphlets, etc. should also be prepared and issued.
Prime Minister asked IMD to issue daily weather forecasts in a manner that can be easily interpreted and disseminated. It was also discussed that TV news channels, FM radio, etc. could spend a few minutes daily to explain the daily weather forecast in a manner that would allow citizens to take necessary precautions.
Prime Minister stressed the need for detailed fire audits of all hospitals and that mock fire drills be done in all hospitals by firefighters. The need for a coordinated effort to deal with forest fires was also pointed out. It was discussed that systemic changes should support efforts to prevent and tackle forest fires.
Prime Minister instructed that availability of fodder and of water in reservoirs should be tracked. Food Corporation of India was asked to prepare to ensure optimal storage of grains in extreme weather conditions.
The Principal Secretary to the PM, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary M/o Health & Family Welfare, Secretary D/o Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Secretary M/o Earth Sciences, and Member Secretary, of NDMA, participated in the meeting.
