Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review India's preparedness for hot weather during the upcoming summer months. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for awareness campaigns for citizens, medical professionals, and disaster response teams.
The Bloomberg report warns of above-normal temperatures and heat waves across most parts of India from March to May, which could lower crop production and increase food costs. The Prime Minister was briefed on the monsoon forecast, the impact on Rabi crops, and the readiness of medical infrastructure and disaster mitigation measures.
Last year, India experienced its hottest March in over a century, leading to a decrease in grain harvests and the government's decision to limit exports. Heat waves are defined as periods of abnormally high temperatures, exceeding the normal maximum temperature during the hot weather season.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been instructed to prepare daily weather forecasts by PM Modi. The Prime Minister stressed the need for detailed fire audits of all hospitals and a coordinated effort to deal with forest fires. PM Modi also emphasized the need for schools to include lectures on extreme heat conditions for children.
Additionally, the availability of fodder and water in reservoirs should be monitored, and the Food Corporation of India was asked to ensure optimal storage of grains in extreme weather conditions.
