New Delhi: Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to review the country’s readiness for heat waves and forest fires.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that from April to June 2024, India experienced 10-22 days of above-normal heat. They also forecast more heatwave days in Northwest and north Central India in June.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) gave updates on the current heat wave and forest fires and the measures that are being taken. The MoEFCC discussed their plans to manage forest fires, like sending alerts via SMS and email. They also introduced a portal called VAN AGNI for real-time forest fire alerts.
The NDMA informed that preparatory meetings have been taking place since October 2023 with central and state officials. States have been instructed to activate control rooms, enforce heat wave protocols, ensure drinking water availability, prepare health facilities, and maintain power supply. Regular fire safety audits were also recommended.
Cabinet Secretary Gauba asked Chief Secretaries to regularly monitor both short-term and long-term measures to improve heat wave readiness and to be better prepared to minimise damage and loss of life.
